MORE than 1,000 people will be taking part in one of the biggest events of the Hindu calendar in Bolton.

Groups of revellers will be descending on the Bolton Indian Sports Club this weekend to mark the annual Dussehra celebration.

The important event is part of the Hindu festival calendar and has already begun with a nine-day festival of dancing.

It will culminate in the burning of a 30-foot-high effigy of the demon Ravana on Saturday night.

The celebrations are organised by members of the town’s Hindu community, including its six temples and the Bolton Hindu Forum (BHF).

BHF project development officer Paras Agravat said it was hoped the festival would be bigger and better than ever before.

He said: “It is an annual festival and is one of our biggest with over a thousand attending every year.

“There are lots of activities, arts and crafts and performances.

“It is like our version of bonfire night – on the day of Dussehra it marks the end of the 10-day battle where Lord Rama defeated the 10-headed daemon.

“We make a giant effigy of the daemon which is burnt.

“We get a lot of guests in from outside the Bolton area as we are one of the only towns to do the full burning of Ravana.

“Bolton has lots of events like this around Christmas and we want people to know this is opening to everyone in the community to attend.”

The fun and entertainment starts at 4pm at the club in Hacken Lane and is free to the public to attend. Everyone is welcome.

Prior to the effigy being lit up at 7pm, youngsters will take part in a lantern parade dressed as Lord Ram before pretending to set the daemon alight.

The celebration marks the triumph of good over evil and is the culmination of Navratri which started on Thursday.

Venues around the town will be hosting dances which sees Hindus worshipping the Goddess Durga, or the mother goddess, in each of her nine forms, with each day having a different ritual associated with it.

Organisers are also appealing for volunteers to help on Saturday as well as offering spaces for stalls and performers.

To find out more about the event contact Bolton Hindu Forum on 01204 238018.