Residents, relatives and team members at Karuna Manor care home in Harrow celebrated the biggest Hindu festival of Diwali, known as the Festival of Light, with music, fireworks and dancing.
The celebrations, which featured dance performances by local performer Dhvanii Thacker and renowned local musicians, Pritee Varsani and Ashish, also saw residents and guests enjoy Indian food created by the home’s award-winning chef as they listened to live traditional music.
Celebrating festivals like Diwali enables residents, particularly those with dementia, to feel connected with their heritage and culture. Mr Shah, a resident at Karuna Manor, described the annual party as “being back at home with our family.”
In a poignant moment, the local community joined in with the festivities as they attended prayers with the resident in the home’s onsite temple.
The Diwali festival came to a close as the Karuna Manor team gifted residents with beautiful shawls (which are similar to scarfs) as Diwali gifts as a token of appreciation and respect.
Ruth Kigaa, home manager at Karuna Manor, says: “Diwali is such an important day for our residents as many live away from their families and these festivities provide the opportunity to bring the local Hindu community together and celebrate the culture.
“It was great to see everyone get involved in the dancing and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.”
