Diwali being celebrated in style in Oldham

The Oldham community has begun a lavish series of events to mark arguably Hinduism’s major festival, Diwali.

Celebrations around the world will span several days and includes the festivals of Dhanteras, Hanuman Poojan/Kali Chaudas, Laxmi Poojan, Diwali, Ankoot and Bhai Beej.

And worshippers at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Oldham have planned their lavish new year celebrations.

Saturday saw the Dhanteras festival, when houses were decorated with candles and scented divas, as well as spectacular ornamental cows, animals that hold great significance in Hinduism.

The doorsteps of followers’ homes were adorned with Rangoli patterns and a special ritual, known as a poojan, is also held.

Kali Chaudas, which marks Kali’s killing of the demon Narakasura, was observed yesterday (Sunday).

This festival is dedicated to the worship of the monkey demi-god Hanuman and saw coconuts and sweet treats made with sesame seeds shared at home and in the Mandir.

On this evening's (Monday) Laxmi Poojan celebration, prayers are offered to the goddess of wealth, Laxshmi, to bring worshippers great prosperity in the coming year and fireworks will be lit all around the world to mark the end of the Vikram Samvat year.

The Diwali celebrations continue tomorrow – the day of Diwali.

The name Diwali derives from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’ which means row of lights.

Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Laxman on Diwali after being exiled for a 14-year period and his triumphant return was marked by the people of Ayodhya lighting lamps.

The following day, the new year is celebrated with Ankoot.

Translated as ‘grand offering to God,’ it is a day of grand celebrations, with finely-prepared food offered up and served as prasad.

Away from the temple, Diwali ends with Bhai Beej, when sisters invite their brothers to their homes to join them for a special meal to show appreciation, love and gratitude for the help they receive from them throughout the year.

The entire Diwali celebration signifies the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and happiness over sadness.

It is a joyful time when family and friends come together with gifts and blessings to mark the end of one year and the start of another, with hope.

Diwali has deep roots in Hinduism and signifies the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, happiness over sadness.

Family and friends greet each other to mark the coming of the New Year and wish each other well with gifts and blessings.

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