Religious Festivals A Success

Families let off fireworks in their back gardens and there were private celebrations across the borough, including Martin House Residential Home in Swift Road, Southall.

Southall MP Virendra Sharma joined the celebrations. He said: "I want to wish everyone a Happy Diwali and a peaceful and prosperous new year.

"The message of Diwali is the victory of good over evil and I would urge everyone to reflect on what they can do as individuals and communities to tackle the modern day evils that exist in the world Ð crime, poverty, domestic violence, human trafficking, child labour, hunger and other social evils."

And on Sunday, it is estimated 70,000 people descended on Southall for the annual Nagar Kirtan procession celebrating the birthday of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism.

They were also celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib.

A grand procession of floats and followers set out at noon from the Gurdwara in Havelock Road and proceeded through King Street, South Road, High Street, Uxbridge Rd and Green Drive before finishing at Park Avenue.

There were stalls along the way offering free food and drink to all and buses were re-routed for the main part of the day.

Didar Singh Randhawa, president at the Gurdwara said: "The procession went very well. The weather held out and everyone who attended had a fantastic time."