The festivals of Diwali and Dashehra were celebrated in grand style in Platt Fields Park, Manchester. Locals enjoy the atmosphere. Picture copyright Monir Ali.

The festivals of Diwali and Dashehra were celebrated in grand style in Platt Fields Park, Manchester. The climax of the Diwali Mela was a spectacular fire display featuring the burning of a 30-foot high effigy of the ten-headed demon king Ravan, built by internationally renowned creative arts company company Walk the Plank. Picture copyright Monir Ali

The festivals of Diwali and Dashehra were celebrated in grand style in Manchester. The Diwali Mela, held at Platt Fields Park, was Manchester's first event of it's kind and ended with the lighting of a spectacular fire display. Picture by Monir Ali

A children's party at the Gujarat Hindu Centre in Preston was a massive hit. The children's party took place in the centre on South Meadow Lane, Preston to coincide with Diwali Celebrations. The party which was supported by the RAF ended with a spectacular fire works display in the car park. On the followng day the Hindu Community celebrated the Hindu New Year with devotees paying homage in temple.

Asha Sumner, aged 8 won the girls musical chairs competition at the Gujrat hindu Society Children's Diwali Party. Pictured with her is Rajeswary Sumner

Prian Mistry, 4, beat off kids twice his size to win the musical chairs competition as part of festivities at the Gujarat Hindu Society Children's Diwali party in Preston. With him is Flight Sergeant Spyder Strickland of the RAF.

Volunteers of the Blackburn Hindu Centre received certificates for their work: Pictured are: (back row) Bhavin Doshi, Shandi Dayal, Ashok Chudasama, Madhusudan Darve, Ashok Dayal, Ashwin Kara, (front row) Vaishakhi Chotai, Jayaben Vadhar, Madhu Parmar, Bharti Chohan, Blackburn with Darwen Mayor Coun Dorothy Walsh, Jaibarti Chudasama, Madhu Pandya and Asmita Chudasama.

A cheque was presented to the Mayor by members of the Blackburn Hindu Centre. Pictured are Asmita Chudasama and Jaya Dayal

Blackburn Hindu Centre celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, with a fundraising event. Madhu Parmer with a Diwali lamp.