On Saturday 14th October a packed hall gathered to celebrate Diwali, the festival of light, at Townley Grammar school. This festival is one of the most important in the Hindu calendar, celebrating light, new beginnings and triumph of good over evil.

 “The Big Diwali” offered a chance for family and cultural fun with a variety of activities and entertainment. These included a raffle draw, the Ramayan musical, Maruti Yagya- a grand Hanuman pooja, Gorvadhan Pooja- Mountain of food offered to the deities, Professional Photography and a delicious dinner to finish of the night. Arun Arundovran, who volunteered to help in the event said that the highlight of his night was the Ramayan musical. A spectacular play performed live by over 50 children who attend weekly moral values classes run by Soor Seva, the organisers of this event. The mayor of Bexley commented that what struck him the most was the children, referring to them as our greatest resource

When I asked him what he thought was the most important thing about this event Arun said that the most important thing was the sense of community and belonging and that’s what the event was about developing the community spirit. This was shown in the donations that were given that even made this event possible. For example, many of the raffle prizes were donations from families that wanted to help create a fun event for all attendees. During the event the Devasya foundation, also organisers, said that their mission is to create an abode in the Bexley/Kent area where the Indian community can come together to celebrate culture and grow together as a community.