The Altrincham Interfaith Group (AIG) hosted a widely praised “Entertainment Evening this week, bringing together Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, Hindu, Bahá’í and Unitarian communities for a rich celebration of music, devotion, reflection and shared values. The programme was conducted by Dr Poonam Kakkar, AIG Committee member, whose leadership shaped the event’s warm, inclusive spirit.
The programme opened with a welcome from AIG Chair Ann Angel before moving through a series of performances that highlighted the depth and diversity of Altrincham faith communities. The Muslim segment featured a moving Naat by Baji Ishrat, described in the programme as “a way for believers to express gratitude, reverence and spiritual devotion.”
The Jewish intergenerational ensemble offered uplifting renditions of Hava Nagila and Dona Dona, while the Sikh community’s contribution — Pritham Bhagwati: Śakti kī Stuti — honoured the primordial divine power recognised across traditions. Dr Rajinder Singh sang his poem conveying the idea of one universal power behind all creation.
The Hindu community presented Gyanamrit: The Nectar of Knowledge, including the Unity Hymn from the last sukta of the Rig Veda. It was a fitting choice for events like the Altrincham Interfaith Group programme, where diverse communities come together in a spirit of harmony which is precisely the vision the Rig Veda’s final hymn celebrates. Dancers also presented a Kathak performance of Guru Vandana, followed by a depiction of Raas Leela, illustrating Krishna as the universal teacher guiding each seeker.
After the interval, the Bahá’í community delivered a satirical sketch on human oneness, which met with much laughter from the audience and the evening concluded with a Unitarian reflection on the universalist themes in Oscar Hammerstein’s lyrics including the famous “You’ll Never Walk Alone” for Universal togetherness.
The event was attended by about 100 people who enjoyed the programme, felt the positive vibes and were engaged in talking with one another in the break, which was a true reflection of the communal harmony. It showed us how we can build bridges across traditions, creating spaces where shared values of compassion, unity and mutual respect can flourish.
The evening closed with thanks from AIG Chair Ann Angel and announcements of upcoming interfaith events by AIG Secretary Shahyda, reinforcing the group’s ongoing dedication to dialogue and cooperation.

Photography courtesy of Howard Barlow