grounded., a community-driven organisation dedicated to fostering safe and inclusive spaces, is proud to announce a special Diwali initiative set to take place for a week, starting this Thursday at their Hall Green branch. This unique event invites those along for the celebration to participate in the tradition of lighting a candle and leaving a message for the next visitor, creating an environment that encourages connection, reflection, and promotes a feeling of belonging.
The festival of Diwali, celebrated by millions across the globe, is a time of light, reflection, and new beginnings. In recognition of this, grounded. is creating a safe space housed in a welcoming environment where people from can come together, observe the festival’s traditions, and connect with one another in meaningful ways.
The initiative will be centred around the opportunity for attendees to light a candle, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, and leave a personal message for the next visitor. Whether it’s a wish for the future, words of encouragement, or a reflection on the past year, these messages will form a communal thread, linking participants and their experiences in a profound way.
From 9am on the of 1st November, grounded.’s space will be open for visitors to participate in this reflective ceremony. Upon arrival, attendees will be invited to light a candle at the celebration, and take a moment to reflect, and then write a short message or thought on a note card, which placed on a window for passers-by to experience the uplifting energy. These messages will remain anonymous and will be shared with future visitors, allowing each person to connect with the thoughts and hopes of others who have come before them.
For some individuals living in the UK, this sense of unity can be harder to find outside of personal or familial spaces. grounded.’s Diwali initiative seeks to fill this gap by offering a safe space where community members from different religious backgrounds can come together and engage in the festival’s traditions.
In addition to fostering a sense of belonging, the event also seeks to highlight the importance of cultural diversity and inclusivity within the city. By creating an environment where non-white members of the community can express their cultural heritage without fear of marginalisation, grounded. hopes to inspire other local organisations to think more critically about how they can support underrepresented groups during these types of cultural events.
Alex D’Silva, Area Manager for Grounded., emphasised the importance of the grounded. Diwali celebration:
“For people of all backgrounds, having spaces where we can authentically connect and reflect on our shared experiences is vital to fostering a true sense of community.
This Diwali initiative is not just a cultural celebration—it’s an opportunity for individuals to come together in a safe, inclusive space where everyone is welcome to share their thoughts, hopes, and wishes for the future.
We believe that events like these create an environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued, no matter their background. It’s about offering a moment of reflection in a busy world, encouraging connection between visitors who might never have crossed paths otherwise, and reminding each person that they belong.
Our goal is to build a sense of trust and understanding that goes beyond any single celebration—it’s about creating a lasting impact on how we experience community together.”
grounded. warmly invites all community members who celebrate to join this celebration of connection. Whether you’re celebrating Diwali or simply seeking a moment of quiet reflection, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage with others in a meaningful way.
The Diwali initiative will be held at grounded., Hall Green, 1043 Stratford Road, B28 8AS on Friday 1st November 2024 from 9am and will end on Friday 8th November at 5pm. Attendance is free, and all materials will be provided.
