NORTH Cumbria's Indian community is hosting one of its biggest festivals of the year next weekend.

Carlisle Indian Divas are holding a Diwali celebration at the White Heather Hotel in Wigton on Saturday 13 November.

The event is organised by members Dr Ramasubramaniam Dharmarajan, Dr VPrajna Jeganathan, Dr Rajyalakshmi Kothakota, Mrs Rashmi Manemi and Mr Vishal Kumar Singh.

They hope that the event will "offer an easy way to transcend differences, where we can rethink who we are, and why humanity, as a whole, needs to stand together in these crucial times."

Diwali is a festival of lights and is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, notably Newar Buddhists.

Dr Suchitra Choudhury, from Carlisle Indian Divas, said: "Diwali celebrations in Cumbria have been ongoing for almost 10 years now, but in recent years, the event has increased phenomenally as more and more people from the subcontinent have come over with impressive medical skills and expertise to join NHS Cumbria.

"Festivals are important for a population that left home to make a new life in England."

Carlisle Indian Divas are an open group of more than a hundred people who believe that intercultural activities paves the way for greater connection between communities and cultures.

They have organised various activities, including a Saree Walk in Bitts Park.

This raised more than £1,000 to be sent to India for covid relief.

Women dressed in bright sarees and Suchitra called it a "visual testament to a rapidly emerging multicultural Carlisle, mimicking, in way, the old and ongoing shared history of Britain and India."

Last year Carlisle Indian Divas celebrated Diwali on Zoom.

The community performed dances and recited poetry remotely.

Suchitra was excited to return to an in-person event.

"The programme will begin with a chant to Ganesha, the much–loved elephant god, whose presence is invoked for good beginnings," she said.

"There will be performances by children and adults, and a Bollywood dance workshop, which will be followed by an unmissable dinner of authentic Indian food, with less authentic chillies, I promise!

"If you are brave enough to encounter your GP or your hospital consultant dressed in exotic gear and swaying to Bollywood beats, you are welcome to join the gig."

Carlisle Indian Divas are hosting Diwali at the White Heather Hotel in Wigton on Saturday, November 13.

The event runs between 6pm and 11pm.

Tickets are £25.