Essex Hindu Samajam leads Diwali celebrations in Chelmsford

By A Staff Reporter

LONDON Nov 15: Thousands of Indians across the UK have been celebrating Diwali, a festival which signifies peace and joy as well as the victory of good over evil. This year, the ‘festival of lights’ has added poignancy as it’s the first time large Diwali celebrations have been permitted since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with family and friends remembering those they have lost since.

Alongwith rest of the country, Essex Hindu Samajam organised Diwali celebration in Chelmsford on 7th November 2021.

Essex Hindu Samajam, a leading Indian community organisation based in Essex, have members from most of the main towns in Essex county like Colchester, Basildon, Harlow, Chelmsford etc.

The Diwali celebration started with lamp lighting by Essex Hindu Samajam director board members and festival committee members.

Pooja and Aarti dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi enriched the celebration. Pooja and Aarti was led by Dr Mamatha Hampesh.

Quiz competition based on Hindu Mythology was organised by Yadhu Nanadan, traditional performances as well as competitions were part of the event.

Yadunandan’s quiz competition on mythology, various art activities for children and adults, program compiling led by Master Hrishabh, eye-catching fireworks and DJ all made the Diwali celebrations unforgettable.

Cllr Graham Butland (Essex County Council cabinet member for Devolution, Arts, Heritage and Culture) and his wife Mrs Teresa Butland were chief guests of the celebration. Cllr Butland inaugurated the closing ceremony and distributed the medals and certificates for the winners and participants.

Essex Hindu Samajam President Anoop Korattikkunnel, director board members Yadu Nandan, Mrs Sneha Nair, Diwali festival committee coordinators Brijesh VT, Sajesh Kumar were also present.

Festival committee members Brijesh VT, Sajesh Kumar and Yadu Nandan led the celebrations.

Tempting and delicious dinner was served for all those who attended. People also witnessed a fantastic fireworks display at the end.

Last year, due to the Covid 19 restrictions most of the celebrations were cancelled. Since the easing of restrictions Essex Hindu Samajam’s Diwali celebration became an embracing opportunity to celebrate with friends and families.

Diwali is often celebrated in the sense of shedding light on a dark life.

The participants felt that it was a celebration that would bring the community back to the celebrations and communities from the darkness of the Covid epidemic.