THOUSANDS flocked to Manchester's Platt Fields Park for a day of Hindu celebration.

Music filled the air and hundreds of burning lanterns lit up the sky for Dashehra and Diwali - the festival of light.

The burning of a giant 30ft ten-headed demon king, Ravan and a breathtaking fireworks finale were highlights of the event to symbolise the Hindu story of the battle between Lord Rama and King Ravana and the victory of good over evil.

The event also marked the start of Hindu New Year.

More than 300 schoolchildren made lanterns and monkey costumes for a lantern procession as Bollywood, bhangra, folk and traditional dancers performed on stage.

The celebration was organised by Manchester council and the Indian Association Manchester.

The council's culture and leisure spokesman Coun Mike Amesbury said it had been a `fantastic day'.