Our Day Hospice patients and staff joined in the Diwali celebrations with a fun-filled day of traditional songs, dances, and henna.
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights and symbolises the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The celebrations follow the Hindu Lunisolar months of Ashvin and Kartika. This year, the celebrations took place between October 29th to November 3rd.
Gayathri Nadella delivered a talk on the festival, complete with a traditional dance class and beautiful Peshawari shawls for patients and staff.
Gayathri shared: “I really loved coming to Overgate to celebrate Diwali. It is a festival of light and is for everyone, not just Hindus. Whether you’re Muslim, Christian, or any other religion or culture, you can join in the celebrations. It’s a time to enjoy coming together, fireworks, and good food!
“In recent years, the world has become a much smaller place, and this has brought people of all different cultures together. We can learn about each other and share our music, dance, language, and food. Seeing all different cultures merge and come together is just wonderful and shows how society has progressed over the years. When we come together, hand in hand, that’s where beauty emerges and is definitely the way forward.
“Overgate is a fantastic place and I want everything I can to support them. In the past, I raised £2,500 by running my first marathon in 2017, hosted curry nights, and my dance students have performed here. We came one Easter to dance and bring Easter Eggs for patients. There’s no feeling that can compare to the joy and achievement you feel when you get involved with a challenge and put your heart and soul into something. That feeling is even better knowing that you’ve supported as good a cause as Overgate.”
Amanda Hopkinson, Diversional Therapy Lead said: “Happy Diwali to all! We are so grateful to Gayathri for visiting our Day Hospice patients and making the day so special. The whole day was just fabulous! Thank you for sharing your culture and bringing a smile to our patients’ faces.”
For more information on Overgate Hospice, visit: www.overgatehospice.org.uk.