Put more dance into your Diwali

Diwali is a Hindu festival celebrated by more than a billion people every year around the world. This year the 5-day festival begins on 12^th November. Diwali, otherwise known as the “Festival of Lights” begins by lighting up homes, streets, and public places with lamps and candles. The festival also involves the exchange of sweets and gifts between family and friends. ¹

Music and performance are an integral part of Diwali. On the third day of celebrations, people gather in public spaces across the UK to pray to Goddess Lakshmi by singing and dancing.

The vibrant festival that showcases India’s rich cultural heritage is widespread across the UK, with the largest festival being celebrated in Leicester. During this time people to come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil and spread positivity and love; the festival begins with a light switch on that features a full evening of music, performance and fireworks which sets the mood for the festivities to come. ²

Performances such as the Garba are played in groups accompanied by Live Music. Traditional Indian music is played throughout the celebrations for cultural expression, which can enhance the environment and unite people, therefore it’s important that those involved in creating the music are recognised.

TheMusicLicence and Diwali

With music being such an essential part of Diwali celebrations, its important to make sure you are correctly licensed for the public performance of music (music that is played outside of a domestic environment).  

If you plan on playing or performing music in public, or at a commercial event in order to celebrate Diwali, you may require a music licence from PPL PRS. TheMusicLicence covers virtually all commercially released music as well as grassroots and independent artists and composers, and everything from the live music performances and specially featured entertainment to recorded and background music.  

PPL PRS is a joint venture owned by PPL and PRS for Music, who represent hundreds of thousands of music creators, ensuring that royalties are collected and passed to our members. This includes passing royalties to their network of overseas copyright societies, who will then in turn pay the music creators that they represent where relevant.

If you’re unsure about whether you need TheMusicLicence for your Diwali celebrations please contact us.