MANY Hindus, Sikhs and Jains will be celebrating Diwali, which falls on October 26. Here’s a selection of forthcoming events…Bhaktivendanta Manor in Watford: On Sunday (October 23), there will be a grand fireworks display at 6.30 pm and the celebrations begin at noon and go on till 9 pm.
Next Thursday (October 27), there will be Govardhan Puja and Annakut (food offerings). It will run from 7.30 am-7.30 pm.The temple is in Hilfield Lane, Aldenham, Herts, WD25 8EZ.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden: The temple will celebrate Diwali on Wednesday (October 26) with a main puja from 6 pm-7.15 pm. There will be a fireworks display from 8.30 pm-9 pm at the nearby Swaminarayan School. Hot snacks from 5pm.The temple is located at 105-119 Brentfield Road, Neasden, London, NW10 8LD.Brent Council in west London: A joint event celebrating Diwali and Guy Fawkes Night will be held on November 5Leicester Hindu Festival Council: Thousands of people are expected to attend Diwali festivities organised by the Leicester Hindu Festival Council on Wednesday (October 26). Goodwill mesages will be read out, followed by a cultural programme on Belgrave Road and the traditional fireworks display. Around 3,000m of lights have been put up in the city.Call 0116 266 8266 for details.London: The City Hindus Network is hosting its first Diwali dinner on November 10 to raise money for Child In Need (India), which works with community groups and government bodies.There will be musical performances by Shivali Bhammer, who made the album The Bhajan Project, and singer-songwriter Gaurav Wadhwani, who will perform his track God is Love.
The reception starts at 6.30 pm, before the opening aarti ceremony and musical performances at 7pm, to be followed by dinner.The venue is Bombay Palace, 50 Connaught Street, London, W2 2AA. Visit www.cityhindusnetwork.org.ukBirmingham: The Hindu Council of Birmingham is teaming up with Birmingham City Council to host the all-day celebrations next Sunday (October 30) in the New Bingley Hall in Hockley.
Visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/diwali or call 0121-303 3008.
Scotland: The Indian Association of North East Scotland, which serves the community in Aberdeen, City and Shire, will hold a Diwali celebration at Ashdale Hall, Westhill on November 5 at 5.30pm.Visit www.ianes.org
