The Federation of Patidar Associations, Patidar House, 22 London Road Wembley hosted a free Rangoli Creative Art workshop on the 27th October. Rangoli is a traditional design created by various coloured powders normally made at an entrance to a house to welcome guests at Diwali time.

The event was attended by 30 people ranging from young children, FPA senior citizens group and Streathcona Education Centre Brent. The workshop was hosted by Pankita Panchal, a professional Rangoli artist. Pankita Panchal (pictured) : The enthusiasm and creativity of the participants was fabulous and for many of them it was the first time to try out such a wonderful form of art.

Ami Patel aged 10 years , ( pictured ) : I enjoy participating in activities where I learn about Gujarati culture and heritage. This was the second Creative Art workshop run this year by The Federation of Patidar Associations, supported by Brent Council.

Encee Academy of Performing Arts performed at this years Diwali in the Square 2008. Over 25,000 people attended the magnificent event in Trafalgur Square. Binal Trivedy-s Bollywood students performed a traditional thali dance: Reena Gudka, Devika Dixit, Priya Patel and Angeli Pathak.

Gauri Sharma Tripatti-s students performed a Kathak fusion item based on Irish and dhol beats: Dhrutti Dhattani, Trishna Kumari, Seema Patel, Jessal Patel, Payal Patel, Hima Patel, Munisha Sevani and Falguni Uphadyay. Payal Patel s student performed a folk dance item: Maneera Jobhanputra, Ashini Patel, Janakhi Patel, Radhika Patel, Nandhini Patel and Priya Patel

Encee Academy of performing Arts performed Brent Diwali 2008.

The light ceremonty opening act was performed by Bijal and Meera kara.

Ealing Road Library hosted a Rangoli competition, judged by Mayor Ralph Fox of Brent. Encee Academy students had the pleasure of opening the ceremony with a Diya Dance performed by Nikkita, Meera, Parina, Sheena, Nikkita and Freya.

The Federation of Patidar Associations Senior Citizens Club welcomed in Diwali 2008 on the 17th October with a luncheon and guest of honour Mayor of Brent Sir Ralph Fox . Over 80 members are part of the FPA Senior Citizens club.

The Diwali celebrations opened up with an Aarti and a ceremony for FPA.

New computer donated by EOL IT services. Mayor Ralph Fox did the honour’s of the ribbon cutting ceremony. Bharti Anand FPA-s Senior Citizen Club co-coordinator :The computer will enable users to access Gujarat Samchar online, keep updated with current affairs, understand how to set up emails and learn basic IT skills. Other guests included Councillor Harbhajan Singh of Welsh Harp Ward & Councillor Chandubai Patel of Sudbury Ward.

FPA also donated towards the Mayors charity Brent Age Concern and Baang Entertainmnt. Westbrook Grant Brent Council and The Federation of Patidar Associations sponsored the Diwali lunch.

Brent Cross Shopping Centre hosted a Diwali Mela full of entertainment for and dance perfromances. Thousands gathered to watch Encee Academy-s fantastic students perform a Folk and Bollywood item. Kripali Patel, Tanika Patel, Bhavishya Patel and Karishma Bajaria performed a Bollywood classic from the movie Ashoka.

Colour, Fun and Energy in the Most Traditional Way at the Federation of Patidar Associations.

The Federation of Patidar Associations (FPA) Senior Citizen-s club hosted eleven days of Navratri celebrations at Patidar House. Bharti Anand the Senior Citizen co-ordinator ran the event from 11.00-1.00pm daily from 30th September to 8th October 2008 with a Sharad Punam event on the 14th October. The FPA Senior Citizen-s club has over 80 members aged over 50 years that get involved with daily activities, trips, health seminars, yoga classes, hot luncheons and tea sessions organised by Bharti Anand.

The idea is to involve the local Senior Citizens in a positive, physical and social activity. Often the elderly community may not get an opportunity to participate in Navratri celebrations due to transport problems.

Bharti Anand stated: What a wonderful event seeing our Senior Citizens members get involved in. The club has been established since 1993 and aim to enhance the Social Skills of getting out and meeting people, independence and to overcome the feeling of Isolation. The Navratri festival was also visited by clients at Streathcona Education Day Centre Brent, children from London road Nursery and Bluebell Nursery Alperton. Over 600 people visited Patidar House during the festival of Navratri. This event was supported by Hindu Council Brent and the Federation of Patidar Associations.

Encee Kathak Students: Heenal Amin, Dhrutti Dattani and Falgani Upadhyay, performed at this years Redbridge Summer Carnival 7th September 2008. A medley of Kathak and Bollywood items were performed. Spectators were wowed by the girls energetic performance. Stage co-ordination by Continental Drifts production.

Encee Academy-s Bollywood students Anjali Pathak, Reena Gudka, Devika Dixit and Heena Chauhan performed an array of colourful Bollywood and Folk dance items at this years Wembley Food Flavours main stage13th September 2008. Wembley town centre held a five-day celebration of food and music from across the globe during 8-13 September 2008. Wembley World Flavour is a celebration of Brent-s rich cultural diversity within the borough.

Encee Academy of performing Arts held a ‘Krishna Leela ’dance festival to celebrate Janmashtami 2008 took place on Saturday 20th September 2008. In total 90 participants took part in the dance production. Many students choreographed their dance items, designed their own costumes and made props for the first time. 12 Mutkis were designed and decorated by London Nursery students. Guests Cllr Navinbai Shah, Cllr Chandubai Patel, Nirmila Patel Hindu Council Brent, Jay Lakhani Hindu Council Education and guest dancer Dr Chaithanya Unni. This is all possible with the support of Brent Council and our thanks to Aastha TV for covering the event and Mukti Tea for refreshments.

Encee Academy of Performing Arts showcased a spectacular Fusion Maypole dance collaboration for Cuture8 concert as part of the Cultural Olympiad weekend celebrations . In total 18 Encee Folk dance students from Brent performed along with 12 of Westminster-s Donna Marries Maypole students in the Arena Square on the 28th September 2008. Thousands of people attended the festival of music, dance, sport, circus and street entertainment from West London-s best, to Welcome the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The event was supported by London Development Agency and delivered by the West London 21012 partnership of 8 boroughs- Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster.