Ken Livingstone in Green Street as Sikh's celebrate New Year

Yesterday afternoon Labour Mayor Candidate Ken Livingstone was in Newham for the annual march by Sikh's to celebrate "Vaisakhi" their New Year.

Ken seen here (centre) with East Ham MP Stephen Timms was also accompanied by  Assembly candidate John Biggs and Unmesh Desai. Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales and West Ham MP Lyn Brown were also present.

There were thousands of people in the procession and lining the streets. The rain held off and there was even sunshine. It was very colourful with drums and music. Food and drink given out for free. Ken was mobbed by well wishers and supporters.

Happy Diwali

I wish my Hindu, Jain, Sikh (and some Buddhist) friends Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak. Let us hope the festival of lights celebrating the triumph of good over evil will illuminate the year ahead.



Enthusiastically celebrated by people of all nationalities, races and religions, Diwali, the festival of lights creates a magical world of joy and festivity. It celebrates the triumphant victory of good over evil – and the glory of light over darkness, a beam of hope over despair. The word Diwali or Deepavali (in its full form), means ‘a row of lamps’.

Diwali marks a new beginning, a renewal of commitment to family values, and represents all the good virtues we seek such as love, reflection, forgiveness and knowledge.



Under the auspices of the Mayor of London Diwali Day was held with celebrations and fireworks on Sunday 16th October in Trafalgar Square "Diwali in the Square." The real celebrations will be held tomorrow throughout neighborhoods in our diverse city. During Diwali on the Square '11 in London, Trafalgar Square was decorated and traditional Indian music played all over the square. There was Indian theatre along with traditional as well as contemporary dances such as Garba, Dandia and many more.



Deepavali ki Shubhkamnayein दीपावली की शुभकामना

Diwali on the Square 2011: dance dance dance!