City gears up for scaled-back Diwali celebration

Excitement is building as Leicester gears up to mark Diwali despite this year's celebrations being cut back.

The Hindu festival of lights is long linked with Leicester with the city famous for hosting one of the largest celebrations outside of India.

But this year Leicester City Council reduced it from two events to one as part of cost-cutting plans.

Without a lights switch-on event this year, the focus is on Diwali day itself on Thursday - and residents along Belgrave Road are excited for family, food and fireworks.

At Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, Pravin Mistry has been organising a Rangoli exhibition of artworks built from coloured powders and rice.

The 62-year-old said: "Diwali plays a big part in everyone's life in the community, so it's important.

"People come shopping – clothes, food, families get together, see the wonderful lights, the exhibition, they see the big wheel and see the fireworks. It's brilliant.

"Obviously it's one day instead of two, but at least we've got the one day, the Diwali day. Everyone's struggling in terms of financial pressures this year, so it is what it is.

"We just need to crack on and see what happens next year."

Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre volunteer Jigna Raja, 46, said: "Diwali is just one of my favourite times of year, it's just such a huge celebration.

"Obviously we understand, we all feel it in our daily lives as well, the cost of living, and everything's gone up and we understand there isn't an infinite budget and obviously the money has to come from somewhere.

"It's a shame in a place like Leicester because I do believe it's probably the biggest celebration of Diwali outside of India – there's a huge Asian population that likes to celebrate Diwali and does celebrate Diwali - so I think it's a bit of a shame in Leicester that they've had to scale it back.

"We understand, but I'm sure it's not going to dampen anyone's spirits and I'm sure everyone's going to have the best time."

Leicester's Wheel of Light in Belgrave Road is up and running, and will continue until Saturday.

On Diwali day there will be a procession along Belgrave Road, while The Diwali Village in Cossington Street Recreation Ground will have a main stage programme from 17:00 to 20:30 GMT, alongside funfair rides, food stalls and fire garden display.

A fireworks display will take place at 19:30.

Vi Dempster, the authority's assistant city mayor for culture, said previously: "Diwali day is always a special time in Leicester and this year will be no exception.

"As usual, we are extending a warm welcome to everyone who wants to join us, and we look forward to sharing our celebrations with you."

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