15,000 to celebrate Diwali at temple

Fifteen thousand people will come together at Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple near Watford to celebrate Diwali. Highlights of the festival include colourful dances, plays and free prasad for everyone. The day will culminate at 6.15pm ,in one of the most spectacular Diwali firework displays in the Greater London area.

The central theme of Diwali is the victory of good over evil and light over darkness from the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, when Lord Rama returns in victory after slaying the demon Ravana. Diwali is becoming increasingly mainstream in the UK, celebrated at Parliament and even 10 Downing Street when the Prime Minister was presented with Ramayana by a trustee of the Temple.

Diwali is a time for family and for prayers, sacrifice and charity, explained the Manor President Srutidharma Das. Yet Diwali at Bhaktivedanta Manor is a fun day out for the whole family. Everybody from any background is welcome to celebrate with us - irrespective of their culture, background or faith.

The central theme of Diwali is the victory of good over evil and light over darkness from the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, when Lord Rama returns in victory after slaying the demon Ravana. After defeating the demon king Ravana, Lord Rama, with Lakshman, Sita, Hanuman and all the monkey warriors triumphantly returned to the city of Ayodhya so that Rama could claim the throne.