Live And Let Diya

Just give me your henna…

or the second year, Greystones lit up last night for the town’s Diwali Celebrations.

Fittingly, this Festival Of Light brought out some of the town’s brightest sparks.

And a few dullards too, of course, hoping some of this colourful cool might just rub off on them.

Said one of the main organisers, Pratiksha Kamat, “We have always been committed to promoting diversity, inclusion and the spirit of togetherness. Diwali – the festival that signifies triumph of light over darkness and good over evil – is a perfect occasion to come together and celebrate these values.”

Guest of honour on the night was Cllr Aoife Flynn-Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, whilst Dublin Bay North candidate Supriya Singh also swung by to join the party.

Sponsors on the night included Tiffin by Sunil, Sun and Sand, Daata, Indian Spice Company, Kitchen 28, Halfway up the Stairs and Zenobia, whilst some way out of town – we’re talking Eurasia, Dosa Dosa, Darbar, Nawal and beyond – also contributed much love and a little moolah to the big night.

Beyond some fine cuisine and dazzling displays of dance, music and Indian artistry there was also the lighting of the Diyas and the Diwali Puja, with the painting of hands with Henna.

That Curtis lass is always on the lookout for new gang tattoos.

Great to see such a cross-section of Greystonians here, proof positive that the town is now a melting pot that just keeps on cooking up new sensations and new traditions.

All in all, a colourful and cultural night was had by all – including, of course, Greystones’ no.1 roving photographer, John McGowan.

You can check out John McGowan’s 168 pics from the night in hi-res here, and jump back to 2022’s celebration here.