Vancouver Celebrates Diwali

City of Vancouver Celebrates Diwali

October 6, 2009/ 3:45 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall
Mayor Robertson issues a proclamation to celebrate Diwali

Moving Landscape

October 8 – 10 / 8:00pm
The Scotiabank Dance Centre
677 Davie Street near Granville
Tickets: $17 at the door (additional fees if purchased through Tickets Tonight) www.ticketstonight.ca
604.684.2787
Vancouver Celebrates Diwali 2009 explores the question: How do you keep in step with a cultural history and artistic tradition that is thousands of years old? Moving Landscape is a groundbreaking event showcasing unique movements in South Asian dance by artists from across the continent.

Moving Landscape presents world-renowned South Asian dance companies from across North America, whose groundbreaking performances are forming the bridge between the classical and the contemporary, and reflect the creative tensions and traditions of living in a multicultural metropolis. Moving Landscape will demonstrate both the strengths and fragilities of traditional art, and its vital importance to a modern culture looking for roots.

This year’s Moving Landscape performers include Dakshina / Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company from Washington, DC and Parijat Desai Dance Company from New York City.

Diwali Downtown

October 18 / 12:00pm – 7:00pm
Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre
Pacific and Davie in Yaletown
Free Admission
Sponsored by Coast Capital Savings

Right after the Diwali holiday, our largest event of the festival takes place on Sunday October 18 at the Roundhouse Community Centre. Diwali Downtown is a day-long extravaganza that blends the best of traditional/classical South Asian arts with the most cutting edge of contemporary/fusion forms, all with an emphasis on showcasing and promoting the best local South Asian artists. Our popular dance series presents styles ranging from Bharatnatyam to Bollywood and Keralanadanam to Bhangra. Diwali Downtown showcases a wide assortment of musical styles from Hindustani to Hip-Hop and Classical Persian to Punjabi Rock. Creating the atmosphere of a bustling Punjabi market, there are several Indian food and craft vendors on hand. Adding to the event will be a visual arts display, workshops involving diya painting, rangoli design and mehndi hand tattooing, with plenty of educational and artistic activities for all ages. This massive events draws thousands of people over the course of the day with a wide-ranging multicultural audience, from families with kids to seniors to urban hipsters.

This year’s Diwali Downtown performers include:

Arts & Culture Workshops

Sponsored by BC Government Employees Union & CIBC

Several arts & culture workshops will take place over the course of the festival. These interactive sessions are facilitated by experienced local artists, and involve the participation of pre-schoolers, elementary school students, families, seniors, and the general public. Workshops take place at community centres and neighborhood houses across the city. Specific workshops include:

Diya (lamp) Painting: When lit, these decorated candles and lamps express happiness and light over darkness.
Mehndi (Henna) Application: Artists will demonstrate this traditional art form, from creation of designs to technique and application.
Bhangra Dance and Dhol Drum: These popular interactive workshops introduce groups of all ages to traditional dance and drum forms, where all participants are led through a vigorous and fun dance routine.
Sari Wrapping: Learn the traditional methods of wrapping and wearing these colorful and traditional Indian garments.

All of these workshops are free, however some of the following community centres may charge minimal entry fees.

2009 Workshop Schedule:

Saturday October 10 Renfrew Community Centre 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Contact: Cheryl Paidda Phone: 604.254.8390
Email: cheryl.palidda@vancouver.ca

Wednesday October 14 Killarney Community Centre 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Contact: Ashley Beatty Phone: 604.718.8208
Email: ashley.neatty@vancouver.ca

Thursday October 15 South Vancouver Neighborhood House 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Contact: Koyali Burman Phone: 604.324.6212
Email: koyali@southvan.org

Friday October 16 Renfrew Community Centre 10:00am – 11:00am, 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Contact: Cheryl Paidda Phone: 604.254.8390
Email: cheryl.palidda@vancouver.ca

Friday October 16 Sunset Community Centre 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Contact: Kari Ward Phone: 604.718.6509
Email: kari.ward@vancouver.ca