After what was a spectacular Diwali firework display on Sunday 18th October at Bhaktivedanta Manor near London, numerous community leaders and festival revelers released 1000 lanterns into the sky in a bid for world peace.

On the Sunday, 15,000 people attended the Diwali celebrations at the Temple. Other highlights of the festival included colourful dances, plays and free vegetarian meals for everyone.

The central theme of Diwali is the victory of good over evil and light over darkness – from the ancient Indian epic “Ramayana”, when Lord Rama returns in victory after slaying the demon Ravana.

The central theme of Diwali is the victory of good over evil and light over darkness – from the ancient Indian epic “Ramayana”, when Lord Rama returns in victory after slaying the demon Ravana. After defeating the demon king Ravana, Lord Rama, with Lakshman, Sita, Hanuman and all the monkey warriors triumphantly returned to the city of Ayodhya so that Rama could claim the throne. When they returned it was the new moon night: pitch black. All the people, therefore, lit the way for the returning troops by hanging lamps, candles and fires along the route. In Ayodhya, they were greeted with millions of lights and fireworks. On this day, devotees remember how light will always triumph over darkness.