The National Trust is partnering again with the Bradford Hindu Council to celebrate Diwali at East Riddlesden Hall, bringing light, stories, and cultural traditions to the historic Keighley site.
Saved from demolition by two local brothers and gifted to the Trust, the property has been expanding its community-focused events, including its first Eid Mela alongside annual Easter, Christmas, and summer programmes.
Janki Pankil Desai from the Bradford Hindu Council, said, “We want them to take away the deeper message of Diwali, that light always overcomes darkness, good triumphs over evil and generosity strengthens communities. Above all we hope they carry they spirit of togetherness and prosperity into their own houses.”
Speaking to Asian Voice, Emily Ghassempour, Senior Volunteer and Community Officer for the National Trust, said, “Last year, we hosted our first Diwali celebration at East Riddlesden Hall after hearing from local communities that they wanted the festival represented. The event was a success, but feedback showed we hadn’t fully told the story of Diwali. This year, in partnership with the Bradford Hindu Council, we’re bringing the festival to life through authentic storytelling, traditions, and community voices, ensuring it’s joyful, inclusive, and culturally meaningful.”
On highlighting rituals, storytelling, food, and music, Emily added, “We’re celebrating Diwali by showcasing Tamil, Punjabi, Bengali, and Gujarati traditions. Our partners have shared personal experiences, rituals, and favourite foods to create a meaningful, inclusive celebration. Through storytelling, cultural interpretation, music, and food, we aim to convey the heart of Diwali to both those familiar with the festival and newcomers alike, a celebration of light, community, and heritage shaped by those who live it.”
Ma Kali exhibition brings strength and empowerment
Milly Basu, showcasing Bengal’s Kali Pujo exhibition at East Riddlesden Hall, said, “For Bengalis, Diwali is inseparable from Kali Pujo. Ma Kali is woven into the cultural and spiritual life of Bengal, embodying strength, fearlessness, and protection, while breaking every stereotype of femininity. Worship of Shakti, or female energy, has long shaped Bengal’s identity—from art and literature to social reforms like widow remarriage and women’s education, including the founding of Bethune College. Celebrating Kali Pujo during Diwali is not just about rituals or fireworks; it’s a declaration that women are leaders, protectors, and creators, placing female energy at the heart of culture and society, a message that remains powerful and relevant today.”
Explaining the symbolism of Goddess Kali to audiences unfamiliar with her, Milly said, “At first, people may be taken aback, Kali is dark-skinned, with her tongue out, wearing a garland of skulls, holding a sword. She doesn’t fit the soft, ‘pretty’ image of a goddess, and that’s the point. Kali is unapologetic about her power and energy, challenging us to see strength in fierce forms. For Bengalis, she is Ma Kali—Mother Kali. To her children, she is the ultimate protector, destroying ignorance and injustice to make space for truth and love. She embodies both fierceness and tenderness, wildness and nurture. Her image isn’t about fear, it’s about empowerment, showing that women don’t need to apologise for being strong, different, or powerful, a message that resonates far beyond Bengal.”
Milly said, “Bringing Kali Pujo to East Riddlesden Hall creates a dialogue between two heritages: the centuries-old English history of the Hall and the Bengali festival rooted in light, power, and resilience. It shows that heritage is living, diverse, and evolving. Presenting the festival here allows people who may never visit Bengal to experience its values, reverence for female strength, balance of fear and love, and community spirit, while also enriching the Hall, reminding us that history is made of many interwoven stories. This blending makes Kali Pujo both true to its origins and part of a shared cultural journey.”
