The Hindu Temple in Newcastle will host its long-running Diwali Fireworks Festival on Saturday and Sunday, November 14-15, with organisers saying the event is "open to all."
Diwali is the most important celebration in the Hindu religion, and the festival, which has been running for over 15 years, has been an official event endorsed by Newcastle City Council for its last few iterations. The celebration is based around the triumph of good over evil, a theme often depicted in Bollywood films.
Event Timing and Remembrance Day Link
The festival takes place the week after Remembrance Day, with the actual Diwali festival currently ongoing. Sandeep Kapoor, president of the Hindu Temple and a driving force behind the event, said the timing "echoes the same message," allowing both occasions to be marked together, with a two-minute silence held during the event.
Mr Kapoor said: "Remembrance Day being so close to Diwali is perfect in my opinion, with Diwali changing when it is every year, and both sharing a poignant message. The Indian army was the largest volunteer force involved in the wars too, so I think that the events go hand in hand."
Inclusivity and Event Highlights
The event has been expanded to be open to everyone, regardless of faith, a point Mr Kapoor emphasised. He said: "When it comes to our fireworks display, we always make sure that it is a safe and organised event, and the council making us one of the main cultural festivals has been a huge help. We have now expanded to make the event open to all, and this inclusivity has already made it that bit more special."
The festival will feature fireworks, a performed drama on stage, musical performances, and Indian street food. Tickets are available online, with attendees asked to donate whatever they wish to support the event.
The event takes place from 4pm on Saturday, November 14, at Westgate Community College. Further information and tickets are available on the Diwali Fireworks Festival section of the Hindu Temple website.
