The Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Oldham was alive with joy, devotion, and vibrant light last week, as thousands gathered to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of light. This cherished occasion, symbolising the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, saw the temple packed with devotees and well-wishers from across the north-west.
The Oldham temple’s five-day festivities featured an impressive fireworks display, illuminating the night sky and hearts of the gathered crowd. Over 120 dedicated volunteers of all ages ran food stalls and helped with event operations, fostering an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality.
Among those celebrating were two monks, Swami Laxmanprakash Dasji and Swami Nautamuni Dasji, who had flown in from India to lead sermons and participate in the events.
“Year on year our Diwali celebrations just keep getting better, a testament to our thriving community who have shown great pride and devotion to our temple," said temple trustee Anil Kara, reflecting on the meaning of Diwali and the temple community.
He added: “Diwali is not just a Festival of Lights, but a chance for self-renewal. As we forgive past mistakes and look toward the future, each prayer and each light ignites new hope within every person in our community.”
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The celebrations at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir began on 29th October with Dhanteras, a day set aside for collecting and worshipping precious metals and cherished items. This was followed on 30th October by Kali Chaudas, an evening devoted to Hanuman, the deity celebrated for his loyalty to Lord Ram.
The centrepiece of Diwali took place on November 1 with Lakshmi Puja, in which families offered prayers to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. That same night, the community was treated to a magnificent fireworks display, marking the day Hindus believe Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. The final ceremony was Aarti, a traditional blessing, after which worshippers gathered to forgive past mistakes and celebrate a fresh start in the new year. In the spirit of thanksgiving, food offerings were made to Krishna in gratitude for the harvest and the year ahead.
This year’s Diwali was a special milestone for the temple, which recently celebrated its 47th anniversary and second year since its grand re-opening following a multi-million-pound reconstruction funded by the local community. The redesigned site is now a versatile community hub, hosting a variety of activities, from mental health awareness sessions to traditional music, yoga, and piano classes.
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Pravin Vekariya, vice president of the temple, commended the dedicated efforts of local volunteers and said: "The beauty of Diwali is in how it brings people from different walks of life and corners of society together. Whether it’s through the vibrance of the fireworks, the prayers of Lakshmi Puja, or the act of sharing food, we came together not just to mark the festival but to renew our bonds and uplift one another as a community."
The Mandir’s Diwali celebration stood as a testament to unity, hope, and the enduring power of faith, with every candle, firework, and prayer illuminating the night in Oldham and kindling the spirit of community.