An article written by Shakeel Delwar
Desi Roots Collective formed earlier this year from a shared desire to create spaces in Bristol where South Asian culture could be celebrated in ways that feel joyful, welcoming, and reflective of our mixed-heritage families and modern diasporic identities. Our debut Diwali gathering in October welcomed around 150 people over the afternoon, filling the Quaker Meeting House in Bedminster, Bristol with colour and the familiar hubbub of joyful chaos that only happens when chai and conversations are mixed amongst a community coming together for meaning and connection. From sparkly-outfitted, enthusiastic toddlers to wise aunties – it felt like something many of us had been quietly missing: an opportunity to rebuild a sense of cultural home together, right here in the city we live in.
The afternoon unfolded through shared creativity, with children participating in creating rangoli patterns with coloured sands and listening to cultural stories in a cosy corner that had been set up for them to passively enjoy the day when the sugar-high from the indulgent sweets waned. In the same room, hands were adorned with intricate mehndi designs by one of our co-founders, with queues so long that she didn’t have a moment to look up and see what was going on around her. Movement and music were brought in to weave together the traditional and contemporary aspects of the celebration, with dance teacher Sachin Babbar leading a dance class and DJ Bash providing a soundtrack that bridged generations. One of the most memorable moments was the community rangoli: a co-created, collective artwork where everyone contributed a shape and colour, forming a shared mosaic of identity, memory, and presence.
This first step was made possible not just by a core organising group, but by the quiet networks of care and solidarity that surround us. Diverse Artists Network (DAN) played a meaningful part in this, not only in the grounding and encouragement many of us have received through attending DAN workshops and the Diaspora Festival, but also in the practical acts of support that shaped the atmosphere of the day. A rug, beanbags, and clips borrowed from the DAN store cupboard became the heart of our story space; the presence of Bash and Sachin, who are part of the DAN community, brought artistry and generosity that lifted the room. Small gestures add up, and in its own microcosmic way, illustrated how culture is sustained through shared resources, relationships, and the slow weaving of community bonds. As we look ahead to future gatherings for Holi, Eid, Vaisakhi, and beyond, we do so with gratitude for the networks that hold us, inspire us, and walk alongside us as we continue to build spaces of joy, memory, and connection.
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