A SPECIAL awards evening was held in Bradford to mark Diwali. 

The event, at the Cedar Court Hotel, was sold out and brought together hundreds of people to celebrate.

Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, is a time for joy, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil.

For the Bradford Hindu community, it is an opportunity to connect with their heritage, celebrate their culture, and give back to their community.

The opening ceremony of the event The opening ceremony of the event (Image: Bradford Hindu Council) Guests at the event, organised by the Bradford Hindu Council (BHC) and held on Friday, October 18, included the Ed Anderson CBE, the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire; Fatima Khan-Shah, West Yorkshire’s first ever Inclusivity Champion; Bradford Lord Mayor Bev Mullaney; Susan Hinchliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, Sofia Buncy DL; Dr Kuldip Kaur Bharj OBE, DL; Humayun Islam BEM, Ikram Butt; Detective Superintendent Alan Weekes, and representatives from the Race Equality Network.

The night was a chance for Bradford Hindus to , it's an opportunity to connect with their heritage and celebrate their culture The night was a chance for Bradford Hindus to , it's an opportunity to connect with their heritage and celebrate their culture (Image: Bradford Hindu Council) The BHC said: "The opening ceremony included a puja (prayer) conducted by Pandit Haridas Shukla, followed by the lighting of divas (lamps) by the dignitaries.

"The highlight of the event was the awards ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the community."

The event was a chance tor Bradford's Hindu community to come together to mark the Festival of Lights The event was a chance tor Bradford's Hindu community to come together to mark the Festival of Lights (Image: Bradford Hindu Council) Those recognised were as follows: Kishan Mistry for Community Service; Chaxu Lad for Business Excellence; Pramod Patel for Community Leadership; Hindu Education Board UK for Education and Culture; Hemant Mistry won the Community Champion award; Selvi Pathmanthan for Diversity for Inclusion; Haridas Shukla for Cultural Achievement; Mohanbhai Patel won the Lifetime Achievement; Reshma Patel won the Inspirational Woman award; ToNE won the Youth Achievement award; INSIGHT UK scooped the Innovation and Technology award; Dharmesh Mistry won the Community Spirit award; Jagdishbhai Ladd won the Health and Wellbeing award; Anand Milan Elderly Centre won the Community Organisation award and Satish Shah and Dr Naresh Sharma were given Special Recognition awards. 

The night was full of smiles and joy The night was full of smiles and joy (Image: Bradford Hindu Council) BHC added: "After the awards ceremony, the atmosphere was electric as three Dhol players performed Bhangra rhythms, getting the crowd ready to dance. The night was filled with joy, laughter, and celebration as attendees enjoyed delicious food, lively music, and the company of friends and family.

"The BHC Diwali Dinner Dance Awards was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to the strength and unity of the Bradford Hindu community. The event fostered a sense of belonging and pride among attendees.

"The BHC would like to thank its VIP guests, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees for making the Diwali Awards 2024 a resounding success."