Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, has issued the following Diwali message:
“Happy Diwali to Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in my constituency in Barnet and beyond! I wish you all well for this festival to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
Many traditions are associated with Diwali, the most famous of which is the lighting of lamps. This is to commemorate the story behind Diwali. That story tells of the return home of the Lord Rama after 14 years of exile. Lamps were light to help Lord Rama find his way back and to celebrate his return.
If the weather allows, fireworks are being let off around the country over this weekend of Diwali celebrations. It is disappointing that the massive Diwali event at Bhaktivedanta Manor had to be cancelled because their fields were waterlogged but hopefully that will not dampen spirits too much over the Diwali season.
I hope the festivities right across the country go well and that everyone marking this important occasion is able to spend time with their friends and family.
I would like to pay a special tribute to the Hindu Cultural Society of Barnet and the Depala community for welcoming me to so many of their events and activities at the Friern Barnet centre.”
Diwali began on Friday 24th October and finishes on Tuesday 29th October. The main day of celebration is Sunday 27th October.
