A VARIETY of activities, including a lamp-lighting ceremony, took place at Bromsgrove’s Spadesbourne Suite to celebrate Diwali.
The festival of lights event was organised by The Bromsgrove Indian Community Forum in conjunction with the district council.
It was inaugurated by Bromsgrove Civic Head, Coun John Ruck, and Archarya Chintamani Pande, the Head Priest of the Pashupatinath Temple, UK, was this year’s chief guest.
The celebrations began with the lamp-lighting ceremony, which symbolises the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. This was followed by the Veneration ceremony.
The Civic Head was pleased to be with persons of different faiths and beliefs.
BK Chaudhari, of the Bromsgrove Indian Community Forum, said: “Diwali is one of the most important dates in the Hindu and Sikh calendar.
“Often known as the festival of lights, it certainly lives up to its name.
“For whoever does celebrate Diwali is sure to light a Diya or a Diva (lamp), symbolising the victory of light over darkness and thus good over evil.
“The Festival of Lights reaffirms the things in life that matter most.”
A variety of music and dance was performed during the ceremony and featured a range of instruments, including the sitar and harmonium, and Bharatanatyam and Bollywood was celebrated by the children.
Archarya Chintamani, backed by his party of singers, using Indian instruments, took the gathering into the devotional mood with his spiritual and devotional songs.
Some of the staff from Bromsgrove Library entertained those who went along with joyful songs and children joined in with the dancing and singing.
Other activities included henna painting, arts and crafts and displays of Rangoli which saw impressive designs and artistic works created.
Indian food was served and gifts, sweets and souvenirs were awarded to the performers.
Avtar Singh, Manjit Rayet, BK Chaudhari, Pradeep Chaudhari, Civic Head, Coun John Ruck and Archarya Chintamani, the Pande Head priest. s
Members of Bromsgrove Library sang and danced with the children. s
