Melton police commander Inspector John Gray enjoying Diwali
PC 2201 James Hirst
Diwali Lights
Belgrave Road Leicester
One Leicester
Diwali is a popular festival not just amongst Hindus, but also in other religions like Jainism, Buddhism and Sikkhism. It is celebrated by people all over the world.
Diwali is India’s biggest and most well known holiday. It is known as the “festival of lights” and it celebrates the Hindu new year.
Diwali is believed to be the time of transition from darkness unto light – the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds and which brings us closer to divinity.
VIP's start to arrive at the front of the stage at Cossington Street Recreation Ground, They must have got quite wet when they were asked to lower their brollies because the public could not see the stage.
Diwali falls on different days each year. The exact days are calculated by the lunar Hindu calendar. It occurs on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika. According to the Gregorian calendar, it typically falls in October or November.
Diwali is celebrated for a period of 5 days. Each days has it’s own significance, rituals and myths. The third day is celebrated as the main Diwali festival, and is known as the “festival of lights”. The five days of Diwali are Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Deepawali, Govardhan and Bhaidooj.
Diwali is held in honour of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. She is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Hindus pray to Lakshmi to bring them good luck in the coming year.
Diwali Leicester is sponsored by Santander
Diwali is held in honour of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. She is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Hindus pray to Lakshmi to bring them good luck in the coming year.
Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil. Most of the legends associated with Diwali have the same underlying message.
LPU commander - Inspector Steve Riley
Leicester East MP Keith Vaz (Labour)
Leicester East MP Keith Vaz (Labour) with Britains Youngest Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police, Simon Cole
The most popular legend of Diwali is that of Lord Rama, from the epic Ramayana. In the legend, Prince Rama and his wife Sita are banished from their home in Ayodhya by their father, the king. Rama, Sita and Rama’s brother, Lakshmana, go to live in a forest. After many years, Sita is kidnapped by Ravana, a ten-headed demon. He takes Sita to the island of Lanka. With the help of Hanuman, the monkey warrior, Rama rescues his wife. The people of Ayodhya light diyas in rows to guide Rama and Sita back from the forest to Ayodhya. On their return, Rama is crowned king. Diwali celebrates the return of Rama and Sita.
ITV Central News
The preparations for Diwali begin months in advance. It is traditional to do a spring house cleaning to spruce it up and to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into your home. People white-wash their houses and buy new house-hold items like gold or silver ornaments and utensils. Over the past few years, electronic equipment/gadgets, automobiles and other luxury items have also been added to the Diwali shopping list.
