Chester was awash with colour, dancing and music as the city celebrated the Hindu festival of Diwali on Saturday (October 11).
The festival, which is known as the festival of light, took place in the city centre.
It was organised by the Sanjhi Indian Association and started at noon with a colourful parade from Chester Town Hall Square to Eastgate Street for a display of traditional Indian dancing at 12.30pm.
The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Sherin Akhtar started the celebrations, she said: "From colourful outfits, music, traditional Indian dance, and with a touch of Bollywood music, I am delighted to welcome back the Diwali celebrations to Chester."
The programme of events for Diwali started with the Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Sherin Akhtar declaring the Diwali celebrations open.
This was followed by a performance by children under 11 years old by Suchitra Sharma and Group/Gejje dance.
The performances continued with a semi-classical dance by the Sai Mayur dance school in Chester, a Bollywood dance medley by the Sanjhi Ladies group, a dance by the Bank of America Group, a Bollywood dance medley by Lalita’s Namastey India Dance school in Northwich, and a Bollywood dance medley by Manasa’s Gejje dance in Chester.
After the parade and celebrations in Eastgate Street, the festival continued at the Chester Unity Centre, Cuppin Street where public workshops were held between.
These will included henna hand painting, face painting, diya making, Diwali art, Indian food stall, and Indian craft stalls.
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