All welcome to join Diwali festivities in Leamington

The Asian Business and Professionals Association (BABPA), which is based in the town, is organising the festivities, which will include a lights switch-on and entertainments.

Diwali, which this year falls on November 13, celebrates light and hope and gives people the chance to come together.

Sharn Jhita, chairman of BABPRA, said: “Leamington is rightly proud of its multi-ethnic community and we all join together in celebrating all the happy events that occur at this time.

“They recognise not just Leamington’s diverse heritage but also the spirit of understanding and tolerance that is enjoyed and practised by the community.

“Just as Christmas is not just one day out 365, so Diwali is not just one day. Let us remember how alike we are, among all the differences.

“Those differences do not divide but show us the wonder and value of our common existence.”

The event takes place at the Spa Centre in Newbold Terrace on Saturday (November 10) from 6.30pm to 10pm.

Admission is free and tickets will be available on the door by first come first served basis. Traditional Indian snacks will be provided free of charge.

There will be a collection for the Warwickshire branch of the Police Benevolent Fund, which supports police officers who have been injured while on duty and the families of those who have been killed while on duty.

To find out more about the event, call BABPA on 337648 or go online.

www.babpa.co.uk

· AN EFFIGY of a demon king was set ablaze to the delight of onlookers at a Hindu festival in Leamington.

The Shree Krishna community centre, next to the Hindu temple off High Street, hosted the celebration to mark Dashahara - the lead-up to Diwali, representing the victory of the god Rama over the demon king.

The effigy, a two-month labour of love by temple-goer Narinder Kanwar, was burned as part of the festival, which also included a storytelling session explaining the meaning of the celebration, children performing Indian songs, food, a bouncy castle and games.

The temple is holding its tenth annual Diwali show at the Spa Centre on Sunday from 4pm, where the Leicester-based Nurtur Dance Academy will perform Indian festival dances. Admission is free, with refreshments provided.

(Picture) Ryah, Pari and Aaron Bhogal enjoy the bouncy castle at the Dashahara festivities at the Shree Krishna community centre.

MHLC-27-10-12 Hindu celebration Oct23