The Greenwich Old Royal Naval College held a spectacular light show at the end of October during Diwali, the celebration of the festival of light, good over evil, and light over darkness.
The show included art displayed on buildings, family workshops with food, dancing, and dhol (Indian drum) players.
Diwali is the Hindu celebration of the return of Rama and Sita after being exiled for 14 years.
The five-day festivities are the biggest and most important holiday for Indians, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists all across the world with lamps and candles lit on streets and houses, and fireworks in celebration of victory over evil.
I attended these festivities to see how East London celebrated Diwali and to my surprise I found it to be enjoyable.
The Lightshow at the Greenwich Old Royal Naval College was a stunning display, as they lit up the entire building with lights that were synced with violin music, followed by, the highlight of my evening, a firework display that illuminated the sky.
They also provided food stalls selling all types of Asian food.
University of East London also had its own event with music and dancing.
The campus was decorated with bright lights, banners hung on doors and candles lit on the floor next to rangolis whilst students dressed in their traditional attire danced and sang for hours.
I even had the chance to capture the liveliness of the celebrations and an interview in the midst of the chaos.
I am looking forward to attending next year’s Diwali in hopes East London outdoes itself.
Edited by Nadrine Narku