A BOLTON Hindu festival open to all proved such a success last year that it is being held again on Monday.

Around 2,000 local people and 100 invited guests attended last year's Anand Bazaar - literally translated as "a market place of enjoyment" - at Bolton Indian Cricket Club in Hacken Lane, Darcy Lever.

The highpoint for local Hindus was the celebration of the religious festival of Dasshera, with the burning of an effigy of the demon king Ravan.

But people of all denominations, and all ages, attended the family event to enjoy Indian food and stalls selling a variety of toys and gifts. And all these attractions will be repeated this year.

Displays of physical and mental exercise - including yogic exercise - by young men are again organised, but this time with girls taking part.

The free event runs from 5.30pm to 10.30pm, supported this year by Bolton Metro Leisure Services. Director, Mr Peter Stybelski, is among the guests, along with Leisure Services Committee chairman Cllr Gerald Riley.

The initiative is just part of the work by the Bolton branch of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (UK) to foster good community links with other communities in Bolton.

They have already encouraged people to share their culture, religion and way of life through groups visiting the newly refurbished VHP premises in Chorley Old Road.

Joint secretary Mr Uttambhai Mistry explained that it was hoped to develop Monday's annual event into "a major attraction for the North-west", drawing people from 0outside the area as well as from all over Bolton.

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