The Telugu community in London showcased the lambada dance at the Diwali celebrations organized at Trafalgar square on October 15 by the Indian community. The mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who was present at the celebrations described the atmosphere as ‘fantastic’. “Great to see Londoners from all walks of life celebrating together,” he said.
Great to see Londoners from all walks of life celebrating #DiwaliLDN together on Sunday #LondonIsOpen pic.twitter.com/Ihd2diIXeH
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) October 16, 2017
Diwali celebrations are being organized by the Indian community at Trafalgar square for the last 16 years but this is the first time that folk art identity of Telugus was showcased.
Fantastic atmosphere here at #DiwaliLDN today – great to see Londoners from all walks of life celebrating together pic.twitter.com/dsfGsaI2bD
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) October 15, 2017
The London-based Sanskruti Centre presented the Lambadi dance before thousands of people who took part in the celebrations.
The first person of Asian-origin to become the mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Deputy Mayor Rajesh Agarwal, the first Indian to hold the position, High Commissioner of India YK Sinha, Chair of 2017 Diwali in London committee highlighted how Diwali brings communities together.
The presentation of Lambadi dance was also relevant as a cultural milestone, as 2017 is being observed as the UK-India Year of Culture. Later in the evening, Lambada dance was the only dance showcased at the Tattershall Castle Ship in addition to the Peacock dance, as the iconic London-Eye changed lit up with the colours of the Indian flag.
There were an estimated 30,000 people who attended the event which is considered as one of the biggest – not only in the UK, but in the whole of Europe.