Bolton Hindu forum host Diwali festival in town centre

Hosted by the Bolton Hindu Forum, the free festival included plenty of live entertainment, such as traditional classical and contemporary music and dance, street theatre and drummers, and large puppets for onlookers to enjoy.

There were also arts and crafts and lantern making workshops, which was followed by a lantern parade that went from Market Place to Victoria Square.

Traditional Diwali puppet (Image: Henry Lisowski)

As well as the entertainment, there was also the chance to try some traditional street food.

Henry Lisowski, who captured the event on camera.

He said: “It was busy. There were a few hundred people there.

“It was a great atmosphere with the music, dancers and the street performers.

“There was traditional food on also, and artists came from the Midlands and London.”

Traditional Diwali dancer (Image: Henry Lisowski)

There were also officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), who seemed to enjoy their time at the festival.

A GMP spokesperson said yesterday: “Bolton South Neighbourhood team attended the Diwali Festival at Bolton town centre today.

“This was a big success, and it was great to see the community of Bolton celebrating such an important event.”

Hiren Patel of the Bolton Hindu Forum said: "Bolton Hindu Forum were delighted to work in partnership with Walk The Plank to bring another wonderful Diwali celebration to our town of Bolton. 

"The event showcased the very best of Indian culture with an array of dance performances, classical Indian music recitals and tasty food. 

"The grand finale of the celebration of the Festival Of Lights, saw a wonderful lantern procession taking place from Market Place, culminating at Victoria Square where revellers were able to enjoy wonderful visuals of the Town Hall being lit up in an array of colours. 

"We look forward to bringing this event to Bolton once again next year and would like to wish everyone celebrating, a very auspicious Diwali."

The event was supported by Bolton Council and Market Place and funded by Greater Manchester Combine Authority and Arts Council England.

Traditional Diwali music (Image: Henry Lisowski)

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is predominantly celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs, however it is also observed by some Buddhists as well as those who practice Jainism – an ancient Indian religion.

The festival generally last five days, although it last for six days in some parts of India.

The main day of the festival, the day of Lakshmi Puja – the goddess of prosperity – is a national holiday in many countries around the world. This year it is celebrated on Monday, October 24.

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