Town shines bright during Diwali celebrations

The Saturday evening parade featured giant puppets, which tell the story of Prince Rama and his wife Sita, which is central to the Hindu religion

Thousands of people have taken part in a town's Diwali Festival of Light.

The celebration was the first cultural event staged at Northampton's newly refurbished Market Square since its official opening.

One of the organisers, Sejal Karavadra, said Diwali was "the equivalent of Christmas" for the Hindu community, "when families and friends get together, exchange presents, have lots of good food and a good time".

It was first marked in the town 24 years ago and is now one of the biggest celebrations in the area.

Northampton's streets were a scene of technicolour during the Diwali parade

A giant mechanical elephant greeted visitors gathered on Northampton's Market Square

Events started 10:00 BST, with henna painting, sari dressing, live stage entertainment and food and drink.

The light parade started at 18:00 and made its way through the town centre, from Dychurch Lane to the Market Square.

Neelam Aggarwal-Singh, who also helped organise the festival, said: "It is our 24th year, from very humble small beginnings when we used one of the Christmas trees to switch on the Diwali lights, so we've come a long way."

Organisers wanted to offer "something for everybody", she added.

Neelam Aggarwal-Singh was full of praise for the refurbished Market Square, saying "we are excited about what we can do in this space"

Local schoolchildren showed off lanterns they made during workshops supported by Northampton College.

Giant puppets, which tell the story of Prince Rama and his wife Sita, which is central to the Hindu religion, have been popular in previous years and returned for this year's light parade.

Leena Patel, a stage performance volunteer, said: "Diwali is the story of light over darkness, good over evil, it's all about the victory of good.

The festival is the story of "light over darkness, good over evil" and is also an opportunity for families to get together, according to Leena Patel

"It's one of the biggest festivals for Hindus - we celebrate all festivals with grandeur, but it's like our Christmas and New Year all in one."