On Saturday, 4th November I joined Northampton residents in the town centre to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali, which I have attended every year now for 16 years!
As I have done in previous years, I had the honour of supporting the Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire and the Mayor of Northampton. 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. The celebration also included a procession with Diwali lanterns and performances.
I have always enjoyed attending religious events and meeting the religious groups that make up the fabric of Northampton. It is important to recognise the work that religious organisations do for Northampton and build community relations across the different groups that make up our town.
(Photo: Sir Michael Ellis MP with the Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire and the Chairman of West Northamptonshire Council at Diwali celebrations outside the Northampton Guildhall)