AROUND 100 people of differing religious faiths gathered to celebrate a national festival.

Hindu’s, Sikhs, Buddhist’ and Jains from the local community in Barrow attended Furness Cricket Club to celebrate Diwali.

The Festival of Lights symbolising the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, was celebrated internationally.

Deepanshu Mehta, a doctor at Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, helped to organise the event with the help of Swati Singh and Sheeba Mehta.

“We kicked off the celebrations with religious prayers, then we had a fireworks display, authentic Indian food and music from a DJ in Manchester," said Dr Mehta.

“Overall, it was celebrated in the spirit of togetherness and festivities.”

The event was the second time the event has been organised in Barrow to celebrate Diwali.

Dr Mehta added: “We started organising the Diwali event last year and have noticed it grow this year.

“It is great when everyone comes together to celebrate a day that’s of great value to us all. Being away from India, it’s such celebrations which make us feel connected to back home.

“We would like to thank the town council for their generous support which helped us scale up the event this year.

“Overall, I can see the growing Indian community in our area. These events enhance the understanding amongst all our local communities when people see and acknowledge each other’s culture.”

The Mayor of Barrow Chris Altree was also in attendance on the evening.

Cllr Altree said: “It’s been amazing for me to be able to support this event with being one of the most important days of the year. It’s fantastic to have Diwali in Barrow for a second year running.

“Barrow has a wonderful and growing Indian community. As a town council, we are glad to support everyone and make everyone feel welcome.”