Huge crowds expected for Diwali celebrations in Preston this weekend
One of the biggest Diwali celebrations is coming to Preston.
Hundreds of people are expected to celebrate Diwali this weekend worldwide - and huge crowds are expected at one such event in Preston.
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is a five-day Hindu festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains.
It runs from November 6 and lasts for five days with celebrations including things such as gift-giving and fireworks that are permitted until 1am.
It takes its name because houses, shops and public places are decorated with small oil lamps called diyas.
It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Diwali events in Preston
The Harris in Preston will host a workshop titled 'Decorate a Diya for Diwali', where participants can decorate a terracotta diya for the Diwali celebrations today at 1.30pm.
The ticket price is £2 and can be purchased here
Gujarat Hindu Society
Hundreds of people are expected for the festival at the Gujarat Hindu Society in Preston on Sunday, which opens with prayers and features a fireworks display finale.
Ishwer Tailor, vice president of the temple, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, said it had been planning the events for a month.
He said Diwali was a "fun" celebration where people come together at the temple throughout the day with the "spectacle" of the shrine decorated with lamps "and plenty of sweets for everyone".
The Gujarat Hindu Society was established in 1965 to cater for and service the needs of the local community in Preston.
Today the Gujarat Hindu Society engages with the community by providing sport and recreational facilities, education, social services, and a cultural base for the community.
The GHS Centre runs over 30 different activities with the help of volunteers and paid staff. This is done by working in partnership with many public and voluntary sector organisations.