Ujala

Celebrate Diwali with Sampad and The University of Birmingham’s Exchange at Ujala.

Expect fun for all ages, with music from Akash Parekar (Indian Classical Music performance), a performance from Beeja Dance Company, craft workshops, a talk from Dishoom Chef and Head of Research and Development Rishi Anand and poetry recitals in partnership with Kriti UK.

Akash Parekar
Akash Parekar is a prominent British-born sitar player. With a background in Western classical and contemporary music, he brings an innovative style to his performances. Akash is a disciple of renowned sitarist Ustad Dharambir Singh (MBE) and Smt. Roopa Panesar, and has received guidance from several esteemed musicians. He has performed internationally, including performances in India and has collaborated with artists like Zak Starkey and Mayur Navekar. Akash has played prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and continues to perform across the UK and Europe.

Beeja Dance Company / Choogh Choogh
Choogh Choogh is a vibrant performance inspired by the joy of train travel through India. Blending classical Indian dance, contemporary movement, theatre, and play, it immerses audiences in a colorful, flowing world. Three artists use scarves to create evolving scenes, accompanied by a rich soundscape of trains, markets, festivals, and nature. Interactions like ticket checks and food-selling make the experience lively and immersive.

Craft Workshops / Garland Making and Diya Lamp Painting
Enjoy the traditional art of garland making and diya lamp painting, creating beautiful garlands and intricately decorated clay lamps, symbolising light and festivity.

Talk from Rishi Anand
The talk will begin with short films exploring Dishoom‘s story and the rich history of its food. Rishi will then share insights on some of his favourite dishes, along with festive food traditions. The session will conclude with an engaging conversation and interaction with the audience.

Delhi-born Rishi Anand’s love of cooking started at a very young age; at just eight years old he was helping his parents in the kitchen. After completing a culinary degree in Gurdaspur, Punjab, Chef Anand honed his skills over six years as a Pan Asian chef, before moving to the UK to broaden his experience. In 2012 he joined the Dishoom team as Sous Chef of Dishoom Covent Garden, before moving into the role of Head Chef at Dishoom King’s Cross. A personal love of innovation and experimentation (and eating out as much as possible!) meant that he was a natural fit for the role of Head of Research and Development, which he was promoted to in 2017. Today, he is integral to the development of menus across ten Dishoom cafés, three Dishoom Permit Rooms, and over a dozen delivery kitchens.

Poetry Recitals
Enjoy poetry recitals from selected Kriti UK poets:

• Padmesh Gupta
• Nikhil Kaushik
• Tony Chawla
• Sunaina Ghosh
• Ritu Sharma
• Madhumita Dasgupta
• Sonali Dutta
• Vandana Sharma
• Titiksha Shah

Experience the essence of Ujala, meaning ‘light’ in Hindi.

You might also be interested in the event Midday Mantra Diwali Festival of Light, 2 Nov 2024