Diwali & Samhain
A Magical Celebration of Indian & Irish Culture
The creators of the Belfast Mela, bring you a fantastic two week celebration of Indian & Irish music, dance, drama, debate and visual arts as part of the annual Diwali & Samhain festival from the 5-18th November.
Enlightening, thought provoking, stimulating and spiritual, the unique series of events will take you on a journey into the richness, contrasts and confluences of the relationship between India and Ireland, exploring their deep rooted cultural and artistic connections.
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Main Festival Events
Pandit Shri Hariprasad Chaurasia
Pandit Shri Hariprasad Chaurasia is acknowledged as one of the greatest exponents of the Bansuri - the keyless Indian bamboo flute. Click here for more information.
16 November / 7.00pm / The Lyric Theatre / £10
Click here to book tickets or contact The Lyric Theatre Box Office on 028 9038 1081
Salim Sabri
Partnering with Moving on Music, we proudly bring you an exciting Qawwali evening performed by Salim Sabri of the Sabri Brothers and his group. Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music popular on the Indian subcontinent, and a musical tradition that dates back over 700 years. Click here for more information.
18th November / 8.00pm / The MAC / £9.50
Click here to book tickets or contact the MAC Box Office on 028 9023 5053
Kala Roshni
Commissioned by ArtsEkta, and produced by Kalasangam, the UK’s leading South Asian arts organisation this unique production explores ancient Indo-Celtic mythology. Centred around the victory of good over evil present in both Celtic and Hindu scriptures, this fascinating piece will explore the themes of nature, creation and transformation through powerful music, dance and storytelling.
9th November / 7.00pm / Baby Grand / £7
Click here to book tickets or contact the Baby Grand Box Office on 028 9024 1919
Awakening a Nation
Local playwright, Jean McGuiness will present her community production ‘Awakening a Nation’ telling the story of Sister Nivedita, a gifted teacher, social worker and author from Dungannon, credited for championing causes of Indian female education, woman welfare, India’s independence, and revolutionizing the Indian Art movement. There will also be an exhibition on show and a talk from Dr Satish Kumar of Queens University Belfast.
10th November / 7.00pm / Conway Mill / Free
Click here to book tickets or contact ArtsEkta on 028 90231381
Coming of Age
Following the iconic development of Mela in Belfast, this photographic exhibition will offer audiences an opportunity to explore the contribution South Asian diaspora communities to local arts and cultural life in the UK and Ireland, focusing on two flagship UK Mela’s in Bradford and Nottingham. A contemporary perspective of how South Asian communities are now part of the fabric of life here.
5-18th November /All Day/ Ulster Museum / Free
Free preview on 6th November at 7.00pm. Click here to book tickets.
Diwali & Samhain at the Ulster Museum
ArtsEkta will transform the Ulster Museum into all things Indo-Celtic with music, dance, visual arts. The celebrations will include an artist in residence from Vayu Nadu Storytelling Company in London. Artistic director Dr. Vayu Naidu will be presenting unique Indo-Irish storytelling sessions. A great opportunity for young children to enhance their cultural experience at the museum. Vayu Nadu Storytelling Company combines words, music, and movement with stories, to take you on journey to the heart of your imagination.
11th November / 1pm-4pm / Ulster Museum / Free
No tickets required
Studio Talk with Dermot Somers
In partnership with our friends at Pobal and NVTV, Dermot Somers, a mountaineer, explorer, writer and broadcaster will host a discussion on his journeys to India as an explorer.
7th November / 7.00pm / Northern Visions TV Studio / Free
Click here to book tickets or contact ArtsEkta on 028 90231381
Supporters & Partners
Supporters: Belfast City Council, European Regional Development Fund via the City of Festivals Peace III Programme, Big Lottery Fund, Foras na Gailege, Flybe
Partners: Ulster Museum, Pobal, Moving on Music, An Droichead, NVTV, Oxfam, Kalasangam, New Arts Exchange, Oriental Arts, Vayu Naidu Theatre Company,