I attended the Hindu celebrations of Diwali in Northampton again this year and I had the honour of pulling the trolley with the Lord Lieutenant and the Mayor which carried the lit candles that are so important in this festival. Diwali is one of the largest Hindu festivals, celebrating light and hope conquering darkness and fear, and offering prayers to Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
This colourful celebration in Northampton involved some very enjoyable performances by youngsters, a procession which this year included some 260 Northampton schoolchildren, traditional Indian dancing and speeches. I enjoy going to this event every year and supporting members of our Indian community, who form such an important part of the identity of our town. I always enjoy attending religious events in the constituency, as I recognise and respect the valuable work they so often undertake, and the sense of community they help to create in our town.