Vancouver Celebrates Diwali at the
Roundhouse Nov. 1 & 2

October 27, 2008 (No. 59) - The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre will be a hub of Diwali celebrations on November 1 and November 2. These events are part of Vancouver Celebrates Diwali, an annual community-based arts event supported in part by the Vancouver Park Board, the City of Vancouver and many other sponsors. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs around the world as a festival of lights.

The Roundhouse will transform into a Punjabi market for Diwali Downtown on Saturday, November 1 from 12-5pm. Diwali Downtown will feature a line-up of some of the region's best known classical South Asian musicians, singers and dancers and demonstrations of rangoli design and mehndi henna painting. There will also be clothing, jewellery and food vendors. This popular event is geared toward people of all ages and cultures and is free.

Chai House is an intimate and unplugged cabaret-style evening on Sunday, November 2 from 6-11pm. The event features contemporary and Indo-fusion arts with some of Vancouver hippest dance, voice and drum performers. Sip some chai, relax and jam to the fusion Indian beats inspired by hip hop, reggae, pop, funk, classical dance and soul. Tickets are by donation at the door.

The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre is located at 181 Roundhouse Mews in Yaletown at Pacific and Davie Streets. Visit vancouverparks.ca for additional information.

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For more information contact: Barb Floden, Communications Coordinator, at 604-257-8438
www.vancouverparks.ca

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.