HYDERABAD: In the 16 years of history of having Diwali on Trafalgar celebrations, it is the first time the folk art identity of Telugu land has been showcased on this prestigious platform. London-based Sanskruti Centre has presented the Lambadi dance before thousands of people who descended on the Trafalgar Square on Sunday, October 15 to enjoy the festivities.
In their speeches, Mayor of Sadiq Khan, the first person of Asian origin to become the mayor of London, Deputy Mayor Rajesh Agarwal, the first Indian to hold the position, High Commissioner of India Y.K Sinha, Chair of 2017 Diwali in London committee all have highlighted how Diwali festival brings communities together.
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, Lambadi was the only dance showcased at the Tattershall Castle Ship in addition to the Peacock dance, just before several MPs and misniters spoke and the iconic London-Eye changed to the colours of the Indian flag.
Choreographed by Hyderabad-born Ragasudha Vinjamuri, the dance presentation was distinct variety and was a proud moment for Indians and proud moment for Telugu people. Dancers were Anashmita Saha, Mona Patel, Nalini Bojja, Neelam Agarwal, Rashmi Lakahapate, Sushma Awatani, Suvarchala Madireddy and Vishakha Tokikar. There were an estimated 30 000 people who attended the event, considered as one of the biggest events not only in the UK, but in the whole of Europe.