Take your chance to switch on the Diwali lights here. Click on the button above and you can flick the switch!

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is perhaps one of the most beautiful festivals for Hindus and now in eyes of people in Leicester - some of whom joined in celebrations as Belgrave Road became the brightest place in the county!

Deepavali is a festival that celebrates the victory of divine forces over evil. Leicester is well known for celebrating the event it its own unique way.

Shopkeepers opened until midnight for the big switch on.

Both Belgrave and Melton Road in the city were decorated with thousands of colourful light bulbs which transformed the area into a bright, fascinating showcase which has become one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India.

The show was attended by community leaders including the Lord Mayor John Allen, MPs and councillors. The lights were switched on by Deputy Leader of Leicester City Council Vijay Patel.

Shops in the area were traditionally decorated and stayed open until around midnight, with families marking the occasion by decorating their homes.

For a picture gallery of the event which sums up the colour and life of the switch on - click on the button below and see for yourself the fantastic event that is the Diwali lights switch on.

Pictures courtesy of Dipak Joshi of Roots - Roots is a joint venture between East Midlands Arts and the BBC.

Deepavali (or Diwali) celebrates:

• The return of Sri Rama to Ayodhya after slaying the demon Ravana and reclaiming his wife Sita.
• The slaying of the evil demon Narakaasura by Sri Krishna. Worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth is done on Deepavali.
• It is customary on this day to take an oil bath early in the morning (2 or 3am), wearing new silk clothes, burst fire crackers and pray to the Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.