CHESTER’S streets were alive with song and dance as shoppers and tourists joined the city’s Asian community to celebrate this year’s Diwali festival.
The event, which is the Hindu and Sikh festival of lights, is celebrated by one million British Asians as well as Hindus, Sikhs and Jains all over the world.
Organised by the Sanjhi Indian Association (SIA), Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race and Equality Centre, it was colourful and exciting.
The festivities began with a Diwali parade in the Town Hall Square, followed by a traditional dance display on Eastgate Street.
Afterwards, members of the public could enjoy authentic music, food and crafts at the Guildhall on Watergate Street, where they could also take part in workshops to learn all about the art of henna design, Indian costume, Diwali art cards and Indian candles known as diyas.
SIA member Bhupinder Virdee-Lace, who helped co-ordinate the event, said the festival was a ‘fantastic success’.
“We had so many people turn up, I’d say around 150 came along to join us,” she added.
“We had an even better turnout than last year and we’re already planning next year’s festival.”
