DIWALI CELEBRATIONS

A colourful festival of lights lit up a gloomy autumn weekend as the city celebrated Diwali.

A taste of Bollywood was brought to Cathedral Square on Saturday during the annual celebrations, with traditional Indian dancing, music and food on offer.

Members of all faiths in the city were present for the Hindu festival, with lanterns lit by dignitaries.

The entertainment ranged from the traditional Bollywood style dancing to a more contemporary dance from Raj Kumar, which incorporated skeletons.

This year was the seventh year Peterborough has held Diwali celebrations in Cathedral Square.

Rajni Reddy, part of the organising committee said: “This year there was a spectacular explosion of colour on stage as there were more than 50 acts showcasing their talent.

“All the participants performed voluntarily, and were from communities of South Asian origin as well as from local communities.

“Their skilfulness in their performances and vibrant costumes held the viewers enthralled, and at any point of time there were 600 people from 10.30am till 5pm in front of the stage.

“The Peterborough Diwali Festival embodies the spirit of Diwali, which symbolises that the darkness of ignorance can be dispelled by lighting the lamp of knowledge, emphasising that ‘Divinity is Unity in Diversity’.

“It provides an enjoyable platform for the diverse communities of Peterborough to come together, to perform, have stalls and experience a multi cultural event.”