Dance Students Prepare for Diwali Celebrations

Students at a charitable organization dedicated to teaching Indian classical dance and music have been refining their abilities in anticipation of Diwali. During practice sessions, participants from Leeds-based South Asian Arts UK (SAA-uk) utilized kathak, a traditional dance form, to portray the narrative of Diwali. Kathak, a dance style originating from northern India, incorporates hand gestures, facial expressions, graceful body movements, and intricate footwork to convey stories. Diwali, recognized as the festival of lights, is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. This year, the festival is scheduled for Thursday, October 31. During rehearsals at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds, dance instructor Jyoti Manral stated: “We take mythological stories, different chapters and then we express ourselves through our bodies.” She added, “This time of the year, we learn a Diwali dance and we’re going to do a dance today holding diyas [small lamps].” Manral further explained, “We decorate our homes with diyas and it signifies we are enlightening our lives and welcome good fortune.” Jyoti mentioned that she has not celebrated Diwali with her family in India for 10 years, but noted that teaching at SAA-uk provides her with a sense of belonging. She remarked: “We celebrate Diwali, dance together, we laugh together… so I feel really happy here.” Ishani, an advanced student, described kathak as “a rhythmic way to express what you feel.” She elaborated, “It doesn’t have to be just religious, it could literally tell any story.” Ishani also commented on their current situation: “Now we are away from home in a new home, it’s a beautiful time when we can teach our kids the same culture we grew up with.” For younger participants like Priya, Diwali serves not only as an occasion for contemplation but also for visiting the Gurdwara and indulging in jalebis, a popular South Asian dessert. While learning her Diwali dance, Priya also expressed her enjoyment, stating she likes “dancing on Diwali because it’s really fun.”