Source: Hindustan Times
LONDON, ENGLAND, November 2, 2002: The venue was Trafalgar Square, a London landmark that is a must see for visitors, but on Friday evening it was decorated in a manner not seen in London before. Ringed by 50 colorful saris, the fountains were switched off to make way for Deepavali lamps on the pool and “Happy Deepavali” posters could be seen everywhere. On the stage in the middle, the Dhol Foundation set up a drumbeat that had the Indian crowd dancing along with some German, Austrian, American and Japanese tourists who unsuspectingly celebrated what was perhaps their first Deepavali. London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who opened Trafalgar Square for the Deepavali celebrations this year, came on stage to wish everyone a Happy Deepavali, and added, “There is no city in the world that brings together all nations, creeds and races as London does. We represent the diversity of the world and we are comfortable we do.” The Greater London Authority that managed Deepavali this year says next year’s celebrations will be bigger and brighter.