Fireworks celebrate Hindu festival of light

THOUSANDS of Hindus celebrated Diwali with a stunning fireworks display at the Swaminarayan temple in Neasden.

Worshippers from across the country flock to the temple each year to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Light. It is followed today by the start of the new year, according to the Hindu calendar. Devotees will attend the temple throughout the day and evening and make offerings to the gods for good luck and blessings.

The temple, which is Europe's largest Hindu "mandir", has a Green Devotion theme this year, promoting the eco-friendly virtues of a vegetarian diet.

One worshipper, Shyam Patel from Harrow, said: "It's beautiful and simply the best place in the country to celebrate Diwali. The fireworks are awe-inspiring."