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Hindu community celebrate 'Festival of Lights' with Museum visitors

Diwali Mela hosted by National Museum Cardiff

Have you tried Bollywood dancing? Or have you ever had a Henna Tattoo?

Those visiting National Museum Cardiff between 11am and 4pm on Saturday, 24 October 2009 will be greeted by Indian dancers, storytellers, Bollywood music and Rangoli displays as the Hindu Cultural Association Wales and India Centre Cardiff celebrate Diwali Mela or the ‘Festival of Lights.'

Open to all and free of charge, the event will see the Hindu community in Cardiff coming together to showcase Indian traditions and values. The day will range from folk songs and Henna tattooing to saree draping demonstrations and a range of arts, crafts and spice stalls.

Over 2,000 people attended Diwali Mela in 2008, and this year the event is expected to attract even more as Heidi Evans, Events Officer at National Museum Cardiff explains:

"This is the fourth time Diwali Mela has been held at the Museum and the visitor numbers have increased each year. It's one of the days in the Museum's events calendar when the main hall is completely taken over by celebration, colour and enjoyment. It's definitely a spectacle that shouldn't be missed!"

The event is free of charge as is entry to National Museum Cardiff, thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government. Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

"National Museum Cardiff have benefited greatly from our partnership with the Hindu Cultural Association Wales and India Centre Cardiff," Heidi continues. "Working with them enables us to offer varied activities designed to make our public programme more relevant to the diverse population of Wales."

Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales operates seven national museums across Wales. These are National Museum Cardiff; St Fagans: National History Museum; National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon; Big Pit: National Coal Museum; Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre; National Slate Museum, Llanberis ;National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

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For more information, please contact Catrin Mears, Communications Officer on 029 2057 3185 or 07920 027067 or email catrin.mears@museumwales.ac.uk