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Diwali: Festival returns to Northampton after Covid interruption

Northampton BID Northampton's Diwali paradeNorthampton BID
The festival of lights was held in Northampton on Saturday

Thousands of people have attended a town's annual Diwali lights celebration after it was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Northampton's festival of lights was held online in 2020 due to coronavirus but on Saturday a lantern parade returned to the town centre.

Neelam Aggarwal-Singh, an organiser, said it was a "beautiful mix of cultures, religions and communities".

Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world.

The event was organised by Northampton's Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation (IHWO).

Michael Ellis Northampton's Diwali paradeMichael Ellis
Last year's event was held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic

Ms Aggarwal-Singh, chair of the organisation, said it was "lovely to see so many happy faces".

West Northamptonshire Council said it was "wonderful" to see the annual Diwali parade back on Northampton's streets.

Michael Ellis, Conservative MP for Northampton North, added: "Congratulations to everyone at the Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation for making the Festival of Lights parade in Northampton bigger every year."

West Northamptonshire Council Northampton's Diwali paradeWest Northamptonshire Council
Neelam Aggarwal-Singh, one of the organisers, said it was a "beautiful mix of cultures, religions and communities"
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