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Diwali event attracts thousands | |
(20 minutes later) | |
Thousands of people have gathered in London for celebrations to mark Diwali - the Hindu festival of light. | |
Light displays and floating lanterns in Trafalgar Square set the mood for one of the most important religious occasions for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. | |
Diwali welcomes the New Year and symbolises the power of good triumphing over evil and the renewal of life. | Diwali welcomes the New Year and symbolises the power of good triumphing over evil and the renewal of life. |
Mayor Ken Livingstone said Diwali was more than just a celebration and had a message for all in the capital. | |
"With its universal theme, symbolising the power of good to triumph over evil, it has significance and meaning for all of London's communities," he said. | "With its universal theme, symbolising the power of good to triumph over evil, it has significance and meaning for all of London's communities," he said. |
Community relations | |
London Assembly member Murad Qureshi added that given the current debate about community relations, the celebrations were more important than usual. | |
"The significance clearly is that in London we are celebrating the cultural diversity of all our communities," he said. | |
This year, crowds at the event will be entertained by live performances by chart-topping pop star Raghav, as well as classical renditions by musicians. | |
There will also be a variety of dance performances by various Asian groups, including Bollywood themed drama and dance. |
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