The community of Elstree and Borehamwood was alive with joy, music, and celebration as the Town Council hosted its first-ever Diwali event at Allum Hall & Manor House.
Organised by Councillor Tushar Kumar and Deputy Mayor of Hertsmere, Parveen Rani, along with a dedicated team, the event brought together over 20 local organisations and a full audience, marking a historic moment for the community.
The celebration highlighted the rich diversity of the area, with performances from esteemed organisations such as Brahma Kumaris, Sant Nirankari Mission, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), and many more. Traditional dances, music, and dramatic performances filled the evening, each act capturing the cultural and spiritual essence of Diwali.
The event was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including the Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood, Deputy Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, the Mayor of Hertsmere, the Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, and many more community leaders. Together, they inaugurated the celebration with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.
Councillor Tushar Kumar expressed his pride in the community’s response, saying, “This event was more than just a celebration—it was a chance for our community to come together, share our cultures, and appreciate the diversity that makes Elstree and Borehamwood so unique. It has been an honour to help bring this vision to life.”
The event also featured cultural stalls offering Indian sweets, sarees, henna art, face painting and crafts, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. To conclude the evening, a certificate ceremony was held to recognise the contributions of each performer and volunteer, met with warm applause from the audience.
Deputy Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Parveen Rani shared her hopes for the future, noting, “With the success of this year’s Diwali event, we look forward to expanding this celebration each year, bringing even more of our community together to share in this beautiful festival.”
The success of this inaugural Diwali celebration is a testament to the vibrant and inclusive spirit of Hertsmere. Organisers have already expressed enthusiasm for making this an annual event, aiming to build on this foundation for many years to come.