Diwali festival in Espoo expands
Last year’s highly popular Festival of Lights in Espoo, Diwali, is moving to Hybridiarena Hype. Diwali is held on Saturday, 18 October with fantastic performances, good food and many other programmes.
Diwali is a Hindu festival that is widely celebrated in India, Nepal and many other countries globally from mid-October to mid–November, during the Hindu new year. It is much like Christmas: people clean and decorate their homes, light candles, give gifts, eat well and spend time with their loved ones. The festival also strongly involves the joy of giving, good moods and helping others.
“The Diwali tradition in Espoo is also significant for the Finnish-Indian Society. It creates a sense of belonging and serves as a bridge between cultures,” says Shefali Arora, chair of the Finnish-Indian Society.
Surprise of popularity
In October of last year, Espoo’s Diwali festival was held in Leppävaara and saw up to 15,000 visitors. This year, the Finnish-Indian Society continues to work with the City of Espoo, moving the festival to a larger venue close to the Kivenlahti metro station, Hybridiarena Hype (Vanha Jorvaksentie 3).
“With the change of venue to Hybridiarena Hype, the festival can include new performances and activities that were not present at last year’s Diwali. It has more room and excellent access with public transport as well as 680 free parking space,” rejoices Arora.
Something for all ages
Arora says that this year’s Diwali will feature over 250 performers and dazzling performances. In addition to dance and music, the programme naturally includes the Diwali Bazaar, where festival goers can buy handicrafts and choose from the many options of Indian food. There is something for everyone: At Diwali, you can play games, get a henna tattoo or join a workshop. The entire programme will be available at espoo.fi/diwali.
Arora encourages visitors from afar to come to the festival.
“For anyone that’s coming to the Diwali for the first time, my advice is this: keep an open mind and prepare to immerse in the rich cultural experience. Taste the different foods, join the activities, enjoy the performances, and buy treats and presents for your loved ones. Diwali is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about Indian culture and make new friends. Diwali is a spot of light and warmth in the darkness of Finnish autumn!”
Arora's personal best Diwali memories include decorating her childhood home with oil lamps and celebrating with her family. She fondly remembers 2005 and her first Diwali in Finland with the Finnish-Indian Society and its sense of community. This is the 25th Diwali festival of the Finnish-Indian Society.
Cultural Director joins the festival
Susanna Tommila, Cultural Director for Espoo, is excited about Diwali and intends to join the festival for the first time this year.
“I’ve never celebrated Diwali in Espoo, but I do have experience with Folklore events. These are spring celebrations in Indian culture.”
According to Tommila, the Finnish-Indian Society has extensive reach to Indians in Finland, from different cultures and language groups.
“This also allows everyone to learn about India’s diverse and colourful culture in a way that is inviting and open to everyone in Finland. If you’re a fan of Indian food, jewellery, yoga or even just a little curious, come and check out the celebration of light with us. You’ll also get to see our new, magnificent Hype Arena in Kivenlahti,” adds Tommila.
The event is organized in Hybridiarena Hype’s Elämysareena (3rd floor) on Saturday 18 October from 13:00 to 20:00. Free entry.
Read more about Diwali in Espoo at espoo.fi/diwali