Hindu Samaj lights up Burngreave

Story: Priya Blackham | Photo: Hindu Samaj

On Sunday 3rd November, the Sheffield Hindu Samaj, in Burngreave, celebrated Diwali (the festival of lights) and the Hindu New Year. This is the most important festival in the Hindu calendar.

There were many energetic performances, in particular: classical Indian dancing, Bollywood dancing and a children’s performance of Ramayana ‘The story of Rama and Sita’. In the story, lights (candles that Hindus call Divas) are used to guide Rama and Sita home, which is why Diwali is called the festival of lights.

About 100 people attended from all over Sheffield. The special guest was Councillor Vickie Priestley, Lord Mayor of Sheffield who handed out certificates to performers.

One of the organisers of the event, Ashwin Patel, said:

“Diwali is all about children and the children being able to dance makes them happy, which in turn makes parents happy.”

To find out more about Hindu Samaj, which is a registered charity, visit http://www.hindusamajsheffield.org.uk or email hindusamaj@hotmail.co.uk