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FeaturesYou are in: Birmingham > Faith > Features > Celebrating Diwali '09 Celebrating Diwali '09Thousands attended a colourful weekend of Diwali and Hindu New Year Celebrations at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in Hall Green on 17 - 18 October 2009.  Devotees offer prayers at the celebrations Diwali is the most important festival of the Hindu calendar and was celebrated by thousands of Sikhs, Hindus and Jains across the city on 17th - 18th October 2009.  Showcasing Indian culture Vibrant displays of Indian cultureThe BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in Hall Green, Birmingham hosted two days of celebrations where vibrant displays of traditional Indian decorative patterns and flickering lamps filled the temple. Festivities included a children’s presentation as part of a cultural exhibition.  Vibrant displays @ BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir A time of celebration and thanksgivingThe central attraction was the ‘Annakut’ – a mountain of food signifying a grand offering of more than 400 vegetarian food items prepared by devotees and offered as a traditional form of worship and thanksgiving.  Annakut @ BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir The day of Diwali (also referred to as the ‘Festival of Light’) on Saturday 17th October saw hundreds of visitors arrive to witness an impressive fireworks display and on Sunday 18th October thousands joined in the Hindu New Year’s day celebrations. Mayor of Solihull Cllr Norman Davies and his wife Brenda Davies also England cricketer, Mark Ramprakash, were among the many who attended the celebrations. The weekend event was made possible by months of preparation and hard work by dedicated volunteers.  Celebrating Diwali 2009 Celebrating unityAfter the celebrations, Mr Vasant Parikh, the Mandir’s lead coordinator, spoke of how pleased he was that so many people were able to take part in the festivities over the weekend. He said: “One of the most wonderful things about this festival is that it can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter what their age, or faith. "Diwali is about unity, bringing family, friends and the community together, it is about celebrating our values, and offering thanks to God for all that we have been blessed with.” BBC WM's Satnam Rana spoke to Sunita Kachala from the Hindu Temple in Hall Green where all of the action took place. Help playing audio/video  Celebrating Diwali 2009 About DiwaliDiwali is a festival that is celebrated by Hindu, Sikh and Jain Communities, also known as the festival of light, which is traditionally marked by lighting decorated oil lamps.  Celebrating Diwali In Hinduism, this practice can be traced to the return of Lord Rama (Hindu Deity) to Ayodhya after vanquishing the evil King Ravana. The people of Ayodhya celebrated his return by lining the streets with oil lamps and decorating their front yards with colourful patterned designs. Diwali thus celebrates the triumph of good over evil and signifies the light of God's presence.. The annual religious festival is traditionally a time for charity, goodwill, family values.  Diwali dancers Diwali 2009 @ Millennium PointSome of the UK’s biggest Asian artists are set to take to the stage at this year's Birmingham’s Diwali celebrations at Millennium Point on Saturday 24 October. Read more about Diwali 2009 at Millennium Point (N.B All images taken by contributor Louise Farmer ©) last updated: 26/10/2009 at 18:35 SEE ALSOYou are in: Birmingham > Faith > Features > Celebrating Diwali '09 
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