Oldham’s Hindu community lights up the night sky for Diwali at iconic temple

Oldham’s Shree Swaminarayan Mandir radiated light and community devotion last week, as thousands amassed at the temple for Diwali.

The Hindu festival of light, which commemorates the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness, is a major occasion in the Hindu calendar, and in certain traditions heralds the start of the new year.

The celebrations featured an explosive fireworks display, and various food stalls run by over 120 volunteers of all ages, who aided with event operations over the five-day festival.

Visitors from throughout the North-West rallied for the celebrations, joining two monks who flew in from India to hold the sermons ‘Swami Laxmanprakash Dasji’ and ‘Swami Nautamuni Dasji.’

Temple trustee Anil Kara said: “Year on year our Diwali celebrations just keep getting better, a testament to our thriving community who have shown great pride and devotion to our temple.

“Diwali is not just a festival of lights, but a chance for self-renewal.

"As we forgive past mistakes and look toward the future, each prayer and each light ignites new hope within every person in our community.”

Celebrations at the temple started on October 29 with Danteras, a day dedicated to collecting and worshipping precious metals and items.

On October 30, visitors participated in Kali Chaudas, followed by an evening performance of pooja of Hanuman who Hindus believe was Lord Rama’s loyal follower.

Following this was the centrepiece of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, during which families seek blessings from the what Hindus believe is the goddess Lakshmi who presides over wealth and prosperity.

On November 1, the firework display shone bright to celebrate Diwali, the day it is believed in Hindu tradition that lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.

Rounding off the celebrations was Aarti, the blessing of the deity. Worshippers then gathered to forgive the mistakes or misdeeds of others for a new year and fresh start before offering food to Krishna in appreciation for the year’s harvest.

Oldam’s temple recently celebrated its 47th overall anniversary and second year since its multi-million-pound reconstruction in a new location funded by the local community.

The site has lent itself to multi-purpose use for activities such as mental health awareness sessions to challenge stigma in South-Asian communities, as well as yoga, traditional dohl, and piano classes.

Temple vice president Pravin Vekariya praised volunteers in the local community for offering their services and for making it a Diwali to remember.

He said: "The beauty of Diwali is in how it brings people from different walks of life and corners of the society together.

“Whether it's through the vibrance of the fireworks, the prayers of Lakshmi Puja, or the act of sharing food, we came together not just to mark the festival, but to renew our bonds and uplift one another as a community."

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