New Diwali light set to be installed in town

The new Diwali light will be switched on at 19:00 GMT on Sunday

A new light will be installed in a Warwickshire town centre as part of Diwali celebrations.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend a Diwali light switch-on on the Parade in Leamington Spa town centre on Sunday, Warwick District Council said.

The event, which also features a Dhol Tasha performance and Bollywood songs and dance, will begin at 17:30 GMT, with the lights switched on at 19:00.

"The Diwali lights are being updated to better reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the celebration," said councillor Naveen Tangri.

The new Diwali light will replace the previous one at the top of Leamington Parade

Diwali, also known as the festival of light, falls on 31 October this year and is observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains worldwide.

A major religious festival, it symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

The new light will have different colours, instead of just being white, which Tangri said was part of making the celebrations more meaningful.

"The diversity of colours is reminiscent of the joyful, inclusive spirit of Diwali, often called the Indian Christmas," he said.

"It showcases the importance of cultural heritage in Warwick."

More than 1,000 people are expected to turn out for the celebration.

"For many, the new lights represent the beauty of cultural traditions and bring a sense of home," he said.

Tangri will be celebrating himself, and said it was a time to get together with his loved ones.

"It’s about coming together with family and embracing the values that Diwali represents - gratitude, joy, and hope for the future."

"This year, with the new lights, the celebration feels even more special."