Thousands of worshippers gathered at a multi-million-pound temple to light up Oldham's skyline.
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, a £7m Hindu temple on Copster Hill Road, celebrated Diwali – the Indian festival of light - in style last weekend as £3,000 worth of fireworks danced under the moonlight.
The four-day celebration, which coincides with the start of the Hindu new year, drew to a close on Monday – but not before residents took part in numerous activities and rituals at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir.
Anil Kara, trustee at the temple, said: “We were glad to see so many people, young and old, join us during the festival.
“Seeing smiles on the faces of our visitors during Diwali was the most rewarding part. It was a time when the temple truly came alive with devotion and celebration.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of this temple is that it has become a place for our community to come together, learn, and share our cultural traditions.”
He added: "The significance of Diwali goes beyond the temple walls; it's about spreading love, joy, and hope to the community.
“We succeeded in making a positive impact in the lives of everyone who visited us during that special time.
“Diwali is just one of many such celebrations we plan to host here."
The festivities started with Danteras, a day dedicated to acquiring and worshiping precious metals and items.
On November 11th, attendees from across the North West observed Kali Chaudas which is traditionally held to ward off evil spirits and seek protection.
This was followed by the highlight of Diwali, Laxmi Poojan, which saw families come together to worship Laxmi, the Hindu deity of wealth and prosperity.
In the evening, the temple held Kali Puja which was organised by the North West Bengali Hindu Cultural Association and welcomed rituals to showcase the Bengali heritage.
The temple concluded celebrations with Aarti, blessing of the deity, after which worshipers greeted each other, forgiving any mistakes to celebrate a fresh start and new year.
Attendees then went to Radha Krishna Temple, on Schofield Street, to pay their respects before food was served.
Celebrants finished the day by offering a vast array of food to the Hindu Lord Krishna, as a mark of gratitude for the harvest and abundance.
Hitesh Bhudia, the temple’s president, said: “It's been an amazing experience. Building this temple has demonstrated how a community can come together to achieve something truly remarkable.
“We hope it continues to bring people together and serves our community for generations to come.”
Over 100 volunteers helped the temple throughout Diwali - in the kitchen, operationally and with security and parking.
Have you got a story? I cover every aspect of journalism from business openings and lavish revamps to human interest tales, email me your story at joe.yates@newsquest.co.uk or direct message me on Twitter @JMYjourno
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel