COLOURFUL celebrations are being held across Harrow and Brent this week to mark the Hindu festival of lights – Diwali.
Here is our round up:
Neasden Temple
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, known as the Neasden Temple, will celebrate the auspicious days on Sunday, November 3, and Monday, November 4.
Devotees and visitors will offer prayers throughout the day and evening, when a special ceremony will be conducted for home and business owners.
There will also be an impressive firework display at the mandir on Sunday.
The following day is Hindu New Year and the temple holds one of the largest celebrations in the country, starting at 5.30am, followed by prayers for world peace and well-being.
By noon, the Annakut (mountain of food) will be ready and is an offering of the first meal of the New Year.
Collections for BBC Children in Need will be made.
Premvati Patel, a volunteer at the temple, said: “Diwali is a time to reinforce one’s love for God and celebrate the values of charity, goodwill and family, and thus dispel inner darkness with the light of God’s presence. It is not only a time of joy but also a time for giving.”
Harrow Town Centre
To celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas (the release from prison of the Sikh religion’s Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, and 52 other princes with him) the town centre will be lit up with a dove (pictured) which will look over Katie’s Statue and will float 4.5 metres high.
The sculpture, which was created by Harrow company Saimol Trading following a competitive tender process, will be lit with 2,500 low energy LED lights.
It will be switched on tomorrow (Friday) and will continue to brighten up the town centre until the New Near.
Cabinet member for business and enterprise Councillor Kamaljit Chana said: “The dove represents peace, and living in a diverse borough. it is fitting as we are all celebrating together and I hope that everyone enjoys the lights while they are here. I wish everyone a fantastic Diwali and Bandi Chhor
Divas.”
The Broadwalk Centre in Edgware
Shoppers will be able to celebrate Diwali in style as the centre has teamed with the SAI School of Harrow to provide a number of workshops and stunning performances.
On Saturday, November 2, from 11am to 3pm, there will be various arts and crafts activities for children as well as music and dance performances from local artists.
The centre in conjunction with SAI School of Harrow will be handing out Indian sweets, as well as tea light candles courtesy of Poundland, while the National Hindu Students Forum will be giving out other goodies.
- Send your Diwali celebration photos to us at: newsharrow@trinitysouth.co.uk
