15,000 to celebrate Diwali at the Hare Krishna Temple, Watford
23rd October 2011

15,000 people will come together at Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple near Watford to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights on Sunday 23rd October. Highlights of the festival include colourful dances, plays and free vegetarian meals. The day will culminate at 6.15pm ,in one of the most spectacular Diwali firework displays in the Greater London area, followed by the release of hundreds of Chinese 'peace' lanterns. The central theme of Diwali is the victory of good over evil and light over darkness - from the ancient Indian epic "Ramayana", when Lord Rama returns in victory after slaying the demon Ravana.

After defeating the demon king Ravana, Lord Rama, with Lakshman, Sita, Hanuman and all the monkey warriors triumphantly returned to the city of Ayodhya so that Rama could claim the throne. When they returned it was the new moon night: pitch black. All the people, therefore, lit the way for the returning troops by hanging lamps, candles and fires along the route. In Ayodhya, they were greeted with millions of lights and fireworks. On this day, devotees remember how light will always triumph over darkness.

"Diwali is a time for family and for prayers, sacrifice and charity," said Temple President Srutdharma das. "Millions of Hindus around the world worship Lord Rama on this day by lighting lamps and sharing a sumptuous vegetarian feast with friends and neighbours."

About Diwali

"Diwali" is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar, celebrated by 1 billion Hindus worldwide and 650,000 Hindus across the United Kingdom. Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, and on this day Hindus meditate on the significance of Diwali wherein light always triumphs over darkness and goodwill conquers evil. It is a festival marked by exchanging of gifts, distribution of sanctified Indian sweets, and new decorations for the home and new clothes for the family.

About ISKCON

Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple, originally gifted to the International Society for Krishna Conciousness (ISKCON) by Beatle George Harrison is housed in 77 acres of land outside Watford and hosts the largest Hindu festivals in the UK. It has become one of the most important sites of pilgrimage for European and British Hindus, and hosts the only seminary for priests in the UK.

Diwali Celebrations, Sunday 23rd October 2011 up to 6.15pm, Bhaktivendanta Manor, Off Hilfield Lane, Aldenham, Watford, Hertfordshire WD25 8EZ.

Visit www.iskcon.org.uk for further information