Hundreds of lanterns, a burning giant demon king and a fireworks finale lit up the North West's biggest Diwali Mela. The Mela is held to celebrate the festivals of Dashehra and Diwali. This year's event, organised by the Indian Association Manchester and supported by Manchester City Council, saw a spectacular burning of a 30-foot-high effigy of the ten-headed demon king Ravan, who Hindus believe was killed by Lord Ram. The burning of the effigy and the flames signify the ridding of the mind and soul of impurities ready for a renewal of the human spirit. Picture copyright Monir Ali

Hundreds of lanterns, a burning giant demon king and a fireworks finale lit up the North West's biggest Diwali Mela. The Mela is held to celebrate the festivals of Dashehra and Diwali. This year's event, organised by the Indian Association Manchester and supported by Manchester City Council, saw a spectacular burning of a 30-foot-high effigy of the ten-headed demon king Ravan, who Hindus believe was killed by Lord Ram. The burning of the effigy and the flames signify the ridding of the mind and soul of impurities ready for a renewal of the human spirit. Picture copyright Monir Ali

Hundreds of lanterns, a burning giant demon king and a fireworks finale lit up the North West's biggest Diwali Mela. The Mela is held to celebrate the festivals of Dashehra and Diwali. This year's event, organised by the Indian Association Manchester and supported by Manchester City Council, saw a spectacular burning of a 30-foot-high effigy of the ten-headed demon king Ravan, who Hindus believe was killed by Lord Ram. The burning of the effigy and the flames signify the ridding of the mind and soul of impurities ready for a renewal of the human spirit. Picture copyright Monir Ali

Hundreds of lanterns, a burning giant demon king and a fireworks finale lit up the North West's biggest Diwali Mela.

The Mela is held to celebrate the festivals of Dashehra and Diwali. This year's event, organised by the Indian Association Manchester and supported by Manchester City Council, saw a spectacular burning of a 30-foot-high effigy of the ten-headed demon king Ravan, who Hindus believe was killed by Lord Ram. The burning of the effigy and the flames signify the ridding of the mind and soul of impurities ready for a renewal of the human spirit. Picture Copyright Monir Ali

Picture Copyright Monir Ali

Picture copyright Bolton News

Picture copyright Bolton News

The Blackburn Hindu Centre organised a sparkling Diwali celebration event. Over 200 people turned out the Windsor Suite where they were treated to a fantastic night of entertainment including an appearance by popular band 'Sur Sangeet'.

The Blackburn Hindu Centre organised a sparkling Diwali celebration event. Over 200 people turned out the Windsor Suite where they were treated to a fantastic night of entertainment including an appearance by popular band 'Sur Sangeet'.

The Blackburn Hindu Centre organised a sparkling Diwali celebration event. Over 200 people turned out the Windsor Suite where they were treated to a fantastic night of entertainment including an appearance by popular band 'Sur Sangeet'.

The Blackburn Hindu Centre organised a sparkling Diwali celebration event.

Over 200 people turned out the Windsor Suite where they were treated to a fantastic night of entertainment including an appearance by popular band 'Sur Sangeet'.

The Blackburn Hindu Centre organised a sparkling Diwali celebration event. Over 200 people turned out at the Windsor Suite where they were treated to a fantastic night of entertainment including an appearance by popular band 'Sur Sangeet'.

The Blackburn Hindu Centre organised a sparkling Diwali celebration event.

Over 200 people turned out the Windsor Suite where they were treated to a fantastic night of entertainment including an appearance by popular band 'Sur Sangeet'.