´óÏó´«Ã½

´óÏó´«Ã½ Asian Network embarks on a day of special programming this Saturday 17 October to mark the festival of Diwali.

Ravinder Kundra begins the celebrations on Devotional Sounds Sikhism from 5.00am. He will be joined in the studio by the talented Bhai Jasbir Singh Khalsa & Jatha. Ravinder will be discussing why Diwali is celebrated by Sikhs and its importance to the religion.

Ashwini Mahli presents a special live show of Devotional Sounds Hinduism from 6.00am. Ashwini will be talking to Indian classical singer and legendary artist Jagjit Singh who will be requesting some of his favourite spiritual songs. Plus catch all the highlights from behind the scenes at London's Diwali in the Square celebrations.

Raj & Pablo add some Bollywood glamour into the mix as they catch up with Bollywood sweetheart Preity Zinta from 9.00am. The actress will reveal what Diwali means to her, how it's celebrated in Bollywood, and her faith. The outspoken star also talks about money, men and her love for cricket, plus why she's one of the Mumbai papparazi's favourite targets.

Nikki Bedi finishes the day's celebrations with a VIP Diwali Party. She will introduce an exclusive live session with Shin of Bhangra band DCS who will be collaborating with the Bollywood Pandits.

Adil Ray offers a unique guide to Diwali from a non-Hindu perspective as he shares his Diwali Diaries with listeners. From lighting divas, taking part in a Puja, to joining a family to make traditional Gujarati dishes, Adil gets stuck into the Diwali festivities.

Nikki will also be talking to a host of showbiz guests throughout the show, as well as finding out how Diwali is marked in both Hollywood and Bollywood.

Catch Preity Zinta's interview and Shin's live performance as well a whole load of additional Diwali content at bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork.

Husain Husaini, Head of Programmes, Asian Network, says: "Diwali is a special time of the year and very important to our Hindu and Sikh listeners. Throughout the day we hope to provide something for everyone – from the meaning of Diwali to some exclusive live music and great guests and entertainment across the Asian Network."

Notes to Editors

´óÏó´«Ã½ Asian Network is a national digital radio station that reaches out to 420, 000 listeners a week.

Since launching as a national station in 2002, Asian Network is now one of the leading Asian Radio stations in the UK.

The station sound has a distinctive mix of British Asian, Bollywood, Bhangra, news, debate, languages, entertainment and live events with a real focus on promoting and highlighting British Asian talent.

´óÏó´«Ã½ Asian Network plays hosts to the best in Asian talent including presenters such as Adil Ray, Nikki Bedi, Nihal, Bobby Friction, Raj & Pablo, Ameet Chana.

You can listen to Asian Network via DAB digital radio, Digital TV and online at bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork.

MN