Manor Park lights up in celebration of diversity
Diverse communities came together in Manor Park to light up the streets in celebration of International Tamil Day.
East Ham MP Stephen Timms peformed the honours at High Street North as families gathered for a street party in aid of Pongal, a festival to mark the beginning of the New Year in Tamil homelands.
Councillor Paul Sathianesan, who attended the event, said: “We Tamils around the world as Hindus, Christians, and Muslims united together beyond our differences in religion, cast and politics to celebrate Pongal as ‘International Tamil Day.’
“This year, lights will be for ‘Peace Around the World’. Newham is the promised land for many diverse communities from around the world, which recognise and celebrate the differencet culture, food, music and festivals.”
Speeches were made by Hindu, Muslim, and Christian representatives alongside business people and young people from the local community.
You may also want to watch:
A variety of Pongal food was served while onlookers watched traditional performances and displays in traditional dress.
Cllr Sathianesan added: “This year’s event is a special one for every one, as we as British citizens and residents of the Commonwealth celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee and welcome the 2012 Olympics as part of a big family.
Most Read
- 1 Blaze under control at block of flats being built in Canning Town
- 2 Family of man who died after attack in Canning Town pays tribute to a 'loving, generous' father
- 3 Two Levels FC youngsters seal deals with Football League clubs
- 4 Stratford fast food shop destroyed by 'deep fat fryer' blaze
- 5 Mayor pledges to continue focus on election promises after Newham referendum result
- 6 Masks scrapped 'as early as next month' and over 35s jabs 'soon'
- 7 Mayor of Newham: 'Supporting young people after tragedies'
- 8 Unmesh Desai on his priorities after winning City and East election
- 9 Call for 'zero tolerance' crackdown on Newham gangs
- 10 Woman arrested in Custom House fatal stabbing and shooting investigation
“I am proud to see many communities coming together to celebrate this in style.”
The four-day festival is traditionally celebrate in the Tamil Nadu region of India, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
To see more pictures from the street party, log on to www.newhamrecorder.co.uk and view our picture gallery.
