An eclectic mix of workshops, dance showcases, visual arts and stunning musical collaborations made up this year’s Diwali and Samhain celebrations which ran from October 30 – November 9 at various locations across Belfast City.

Now in its third year, Diwali, the traditional Hindu ‘Festival of Light’, and Samhain, meaning ‘summer’s end’ in Irish, celebrates the similarities of Indian and Irish cultures, promoting diversity and mutual understanding and is the first festival of its kind in Ireland.

A highlight of this year’s celebrations was 19 year old, child prodigy, Ustav Lal who performed an exclusive, one-off gig, ‘Ragas to Reels’,to a sold out audience at The Lyric Theatre on Wednesday, November 9. Joined on stage by Irish flautist Sam Comerford and India-based Tabla player Kousic Sen, they explored the haunting sounds of Indian Ragas and the pounding enegry of Irish reels – going beyond all geographical, cultural and language barriers. This unique colloboration was supported by the Bunscoil Phobal Feirste Choir and funded by Belfast City Council & Foras na Gailege. 

 

With a career spanning over a decade, Lal was officially recognised as a “Young Steinway Artist" in Feb 2010. He featured in the Limca Book of Records at 14 yrs of age and, at the age of 16, was the youngest award winner of Ireland’s Metro Éireann Media & Multicultural MAMA Awards for championing Multiculturalism.

 

Among the other highlights of this year’s celebrations was Belfast City Council’s Halloween Metro Monster Mash which included a mix of Indo-Irish performances by ArtsEkta as well as Belfast’s largest firework display from 6pm in Belfast’s Odyssey Car Park on October 30 and on November 5, ArtsEkta will once again transformed the Ulster Museum into an exciting celebration of Indian and Celtic cultures with children’s workshops running all day. 

Speaking on this year’s festival, Director of ArtsEkta Nisha Tandon said;

“ArtsEkta is committed to bringing unique and quality cultural experiences to the city. Mingling with traditions through the Indian Diwali and Celtic Samhain is an enriching experience shedding light on fascinating cultural perspectives. We were delighted to partner with Ulster Museum, Lyric Theatre, Belfast City Council and Equality Commission to bring these intimate series of events to the city, and look forward to returning in 2012 with the full Diwali & Samhain festival over two weeks concluding in a major public celebration"

Bob Collins, Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission Northern Ireland, who were partners for the series of events, said that the Commission was pleased to have the opportunity to work with ArtsEkta in promoting such an engaging and worthwhile programme. These celebrations and artistic events highlight the benefits of living in a culturally rich and diverse society. While most people welcome that, there are still some who do not fully appreciate its value, and discriminate against those they perceive as different to themselves. There is no place for such negative attitudes in our society and the Equality Commission will continue to challenge them and to provide advice and assistance to anyone who encounters harassment and discrimination.”