HUNDREDS of people from Greater Manchester and neighbourhood were treated to a fantastic fun packed Diwali celebration on Saturday, October 25 at the Forum Centre in Wythenshawe.

Organised by the Indian Association Manchester the event provided a colourful entertainment programme with music and dance performances which included Bollywood as well as traditional classical dance by the magical Annapurna Indian Dance company, a glow performance by Flame OZ and Dhol music.

Other participating groups included Academy of Indian Dance and Culture, Explosive Entertainments, Jabba DJ Dhol and Bhangra Road show, Dhol Phenomena. Community artists Monica Ballani, Charu and Keshav Mudgal performed some of the liveliest Bollywood dances. There were also stalls selling clothes, jewellery, and delicious Indian food.

Diwali has great significance for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains and is celebrated throughout the world.

According to Hindu mythology it is a celebration of the return of Lord Ram, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, to his kingdom of Ayodhya after killing the 10-headed demon king Ravan and many other lesser demons during fourteen years of exile. It is a celebration of victory of good over evil, renewal of human spirit, peace and co-operation.

General Secretary of the Indian Association, Rajyasheree Dutta, said: ‘The aim of Indian Association in organising these events is to bring people of diverse communities of Manchester together and to provide opportunities to community artists to perform with and take inspiration from professional artists. We are proud to have encouraged, developed and promoted budding young talent over the years.’