Diwali, also known as the festival of lights was celebrated by the Havering Asian Social and Welfare Association (HASWA) at their community centre Greenfields, Kilmartin Way, Elm Park, Essex on Saturday 1st November 2014. People of all ages and backgrounds came together for celebrations along with guests MP for Hornchurch and Upminster Dame Angela Watkinson, MP for Dagenham & Rainham Jon Cruddas, the Mayor of Havering Councillor Linda Trew and Councillors Melvin Wallace and Stephanie Nunn. The guests delivered messages of goodwill to the community. Sansar Singh Narwal general secretary of HASWA, said events such as the Diwali celebration promote better cultural understanding of Havering’s rich and diverse community. Entertainment was provided through performances of Bollywood dancing, singing by the HASWA ladies group and a dance by the Little Ilford School highlighting Black History month. There was also a raffle, DJ and authentic Indian cuisine.
