NAVRATRI

Thousands of people have been celebrating the start of this Hindu festival with family and friends at a number of sold out venues across the city.

Navratri which began on 19th September translates to nine nights and it takes place every year on the seventh month of the Ashwin which is the Hindu calendar.

For many worshippers the festival represents the triumph of good over evil and the event involves people taking part in traditional dancing.

The ceremony lasts between three to four hours this includes garba, aarti and dan diya raas.

Mother of two Dhani Vadher, Evington, celebrates every year with the whole family by attending Maher Community Centre: she said, “Navratri can be enjoyed by adults and children. It's all about having fun.”

Dhani said: “Sometimes the children don't always understand the religious meaning but they still look forward to it.”

Both men and women are given an opportunity to dress up in brightly coloured traditional Indian outfits specially picked out for the occasion.

Maghanbhai Patel, spokesman for the Leicester Hindu Festival, thinks Navratri remains as popular as ever: he said “We've had a partnership with De Montfort Hall and Ramgarhia Hall since 1992.” Mr Patel added: “The sales figures for weekdays are constant but we've had unprecedented demand for the weekends and they are sold out.”

Mr Patel feels the festival promotes Hindus in Leicester: He said, “This is a multi-faith event and is open to everyone.”

Sunil Patel