Bradford's Hindu community mark Diwali and New Year

From the non-stop sound of the doorbell to the first bite of freshly fried samosas, Diwali celebrations have been taking place across the district.

Diwali is marked some time between October and November, but the exact date changes each year according to the Hindu calendar.

This year, Diwali took place on November 12.

Sat side by side, loved ones have been lighting diyas and making offerings to Hindu goddess Lakshmi during evening prayers.

Prayers and offerings to the gods - to the left, a notepad shows how those praying have written the Hindu faith's ancient religious and cultural symbol for good luck and prosperity. (Image: UGC)

A statue of Ghanesh - the elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings - in front of a flickering tealight is also a common scene.

“They’re giving money, offerings and prayers for good luck and prosperity,” said Deepak Sharma of Bradford Hindu Council.

“They’re offering food and say everything we have you have given us, and we’re giving it back to you.”

Diwali is a time for prayers and offerings (Image: UGC)

It is these traditions, rooted in faith and family, that carry one of life’s most important messages.

Diwali is based around Sita and Rama in the Ramayan, a holy book in the Hindu faith.

The Festival of Light marks Prince Rama’s return home with his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshman, after overcoming exile and war.

"They came back after fighting the demons,” said Deepak.

Meera, Varun, Disha and Poonam Joshi - who live in the Poplars Park area of Bradford - light candles (Image: UGC)

“When they came back the whole city put out candles to light the pathway as they came back at night.”

He added: “In the Ramayan, they pray to Shiva [god of destruction] to remove any problems they may have. 

“It’s to evolve - it’s how a child has to lose his childhood to become a teenager, then a teenager has to become an adult. We have to destroy some part of our life to evolve further.”

An example of rangoli made in Bradford (Image: UGC)

Other traditions include rangoli, the act of creating bright patterns with coloured flour or rice on the floor to welcome the goddess Lakshmi to their home.

Rich sweets - such as bright orange, sugary swirls known as jalebi - are also a sign of prosperity and wealth.

The festival represents fun and family for the Desai siblings' Vrati Pankil, 17, and seven year olds Dhinak and Dhanika.

Diwali with the Desai family (Image: UGC)

This year, Dhinak and his friends recreated the Ramayan in traditional clothing and marigold garlands.

Vrati Pankil said: “My family and I get together and have so much fun."

Deepak added: "People go to each other’s houses.

“The ladies will probably share food. The ladies of the local group or community will get together and cook - one might cook samosas, some might cook pakoras. 

“You’ll see a lot of people giving sweets out - it’s a sign of prosperity. 

“It’s bringing that joy.”

Reshma Patel, who lives in Bierley, said: “The lights of Diwali signify a time to destroy all our dark desires and thoughts, eradicated dark shadows and evils and gives us the strength and the zeal to carry on with our goodwill for the rest of the year.”