Features / diwali
Kicking off Diwali 2025 at the Bristol Beacon
Bristol Beacon set the stage for a joyful start to Diwali celebrations with Rhythm Utsav, a celebration of South Asian music and dance presented in partnership between Rhythm India and the Asian Arts Agency.
The evening brought together more than 70 young performers from local art schools and adult dancers alongside world-class classical Indian musicians, filling the Lantern Hall with colour, rhythm and cultural pride.
Diwali, known as the festival of lights, is one of the biggest celebrations for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Held on the new moon of the month of Kartika (October to November), it marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This year, Diwali officially begins on Monday.
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During Diwali, celebrants often clean their homes, decorate with oil lamps (diyas), exchange sweets and gifts with family, and set off fireworks.
Classical Indian dance was showcased at the event
Beyond the day of celebrations on Saturday, Rhythm Utsav marked an important milestone for Diwali’s presence in the city due to the event taking place at the Bristol Beacon.
Yogi Maravanthe, one of the founders of Rhythm India, described his nerves at hosting the event at such an important venue.
Speaking of the importance of cultural visibility, Jaswinder Singh, a director at the Asian Arts Agency, said: “This year is particularly exciting because in the past the event has mostly been held in school auditoriums across Bristol, as it can be hard for community groups to access mainstream venues.
“It’s important for kids to see that these festivals also belong in major spaces; it helps them feel that their culture is part of the city.”
Children of all ages took part in the event
Indeed, as nervously eager groups of young children, adorned in Bharatanatyam costumes and lehengas, filed on stage to perform classical Indian dances, their excitement for Diwali was clear.
During the first half of the event, both the children and adult participants performed to a diverse audience, illustrating traditional dances and interpretations of Hindu rituals through movement.
One member of the audience, Sue Slockombe from Portishead, a non-observer of Diwali, said: “I’ve been to India a few times and I thought this evening would be something different to do and to learn about.”
Yogi, looking across the audience during the event’s intermission, conveyed his pride at hosting the event to a mix of demographics: “It’s important to our city. Bristol is very open to any culture, any celebration, and we love to have a mix, a representation of the world, in the audience.”
Local restaurateur and owner of Nadu, Nutmeg and Bombil, Saravanan Nambirajan, was in attendance with his family
After the interval, the energy in the hall softened into quiet anticipation as the focus turned to classical music. The lights dimmed, the chatter faded, and the sound of strings filled the room.
Sarod player Debasmita Bhattacharya and tabla accompanist Sudarshan Singh guided the audience through an intricate, meditative performance, a contrast to the lively first half.
Their melodies showed the beauty and discipline behind traditional Indian music.
Renowned Indian classical musicians Debasmita Battacharya and Surdarshan Singh Chana
For many in attendance, the evening held special meaning, particularly for those celebrating Diwali away from home. For Akanksha Pai, 21, who moved from Goa to study in Bristol, the performance offered both comfort and connection.
“On the day of Diwali, I’ll be celebrating with friends since I’m a uni student,” Akanksha said.
“We’ll cook some Indian food together. I saw an ad for this on the Bristol Beacon’s website and came with my friend because we love classical music. It’s really hard being away from home and not having much family here, so it’s nice to see the community coming together.
“It’s special that this event includes religious songs too, because seeing friends is not the same as going to the temple and praying, so this gives me a bit of both.”
With Diwali celebrations beginning across Bristol from Monday, Rhythm Utsav set the tone early, a reminder of how the festival continues to evolve and find new spaces in our city.
Maelo Manning is reporting on the South Asian community as part of Bristol24/7’s Community Reporters programme, aiming to amplify marginalised voices and communities often overlooked by mainstream media.
This initiative is funded by our public, Better Business members and a grant from the Nisbet Trust.
All photos: Maelo Manning
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