At this time of year, when most people are beginning to look forward to Christmas, there are several religious communities already celebrating their own festivals or religious practices, writes Yvonne Gordon.

The most important festival in the Hindu calendar is the festival of light, Diwali, which took place earlier this month and was followed by New Year the next day.

In Wandsworth, some 500 people took part in celebrations at the Civic Centre, organised by the Tooting-based Hindu Society.

There, society president Kanta Sharma MBE, thanked members and the council for support in refurbishing the centre in Garratt Lane.

"Since its inception in 1972, The Hindu Society has gone from strength to strength and plays a significant part in the social and cultural life of the south London community," he told those gathered to celebrate.

Wandsworth's Mayor Councillor Ron Smith, who recited a Indian poem, also quoted Ghandi: "When man's mind is filled with love, all obstacles fade away."

Coun Smith said he loved seeing all the lights shining out from homes in the area during the time of the festival.

Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, the victory of Lord Rama, an incarnation of the Hindu God, Vishnu, over the demon king Ravanna. It celebrates his return after 14 years exile in the forest with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana.

Rama eventually wins Sita back from the demon and returns triumphant to the throne. This is one of many stories from Hindu epic, The Ramayana - extracts of which were performed at the Civic Centre through poems, music, singing and dancing.

In the week before the festival, homes are cleaned and decorated and special oil lamps made in the hope the goddess of good fortune, Lakshmi, will be attracted to the house.

Martin Linton, MP for Battersea, stressed the need to respect different cultures, saying: "We need to encourage the importance of respecting other traditions and religions."

Tooting MP Tom Cox told the group Diwali was a function he "always sought to attend". The Hindu Society was in his constituency and he realised how much time, effort and money had been contributed to make it so elegant.

He also read a message from Tony Blair, who wrote: I am proud to be a member of a multi-cultural society and Diwali plays an important role in celebrating this diversity. Best wishes to the Hindu community in Wandsworth at this special time.'

Members of the Sikh Gudhwara in Merton Road, who celebrate Diwali, also attended the evening.

President Jujhar Singh Plaha said the festival was of religious significance for them, because it was the birthday of one of their 10 gurus.

He said: "Diwali is the birthday of the sixth Guru Hargobind Sahib, who released 52 Hindu princes from captivity that day."

Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century, acknowledges the unity of all religion. Its founder wrote: We believe in one God and brotherhood of mankind and believe that truthful living is greater than truth.'

Gudhwara member Sardul Singh Sood settled in England 35 years ago from India and thinks life has improved. He said: "There is much more tolerance and understanding nowadays."

Sikhs do not try and convert others and believe all are born equal. On November 30 they celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak and welcome all to their services.

Mosques in Wandsworth are extra full at this time of year because Muslims flock there to offer prayers during the month-long Ramadan, which started a week ago.

Muslims fast from dusk to dawn during this time and it is customary to break the fast by eating a few dates, which was what Muhammad used to do.

Secretary of the Balham Mosque, Aniz Jussab, said: "Ramadan is about purification on all levels and good deeds and prayers have 70 times more effect, which makes it very special."

He said Balham Mosque was attended by up to 500 people for the nightly prayers, compared to the usual 60: "Muslims aim to purify themselves on all levels during Ramadan, aspiring to do no harm. It is a lesson in doing without, appreciating the plight of those less fortunate and a test in patience, discipline and restraint."

Children under seven, pregnant women or those who have recently given birth and the ill and elderly are exempt.

Ramadan ends at the New Moon which is celebrated by the festival of Eid-Al-Fatur, which is a special occasion where families can dress up and give presents.

Muslims try to read as much of The Koran as they can during Ramadan, but recite one or two chapters a night at all times, praying five times a day.

The Night of Power, when Mohammed received the revelation of the Koran, takes place during Ramadan and is likely to be on November 27.

November 23, 2001 12:01