Michelin star chef Atul Kochhar has described a recent Diwali celebration in Amersham as a ‘heart warming thing’, as the Hindu community get ready to celebrate the annual holiday.

The annual event, which is also known as Deepavali, is the Hindu festival of lights, which symbolises the spiritual ‘victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance’.

It will officially take place on Thursday, October 31 and Friday, November 1, and on October 17, a small gathering was held at the cook’s Amersham restaurant, Hawkyns, which is located inside the Crown Hotel along the town’s High Street.

Atul Kochhar gave a speech at his restaurant on October 17Atul Kochhar gave a speech at his restaurant on October 17 (Image: NQ)

Owners of small businesses from the area were invited to the networking event, as they enjoyed some of the finest Indian treats whilst trying to find new clients.

Speaking to the Free Press, Kochhar, who achieved his Michelin star status in 2001 at the age of 31, said: “It’s fantastic as that is the spirit of Diwali.

“It is the biggest Hindu festival in the world and I would say it is the biggest festival in India.

“It’s not just a Hindu festival as everyone across the country gets involved, and all over the world too.

“This is a heart warming thing.

He runs several establishments, which includes Hawkyns in AmershamHe runs several establishments, which includes Hawkyns in Amersham (Image: NQ)

“Diwali is about bringing light from the darkness, and we want to bring light into our lives.

“Let’s be a community and let’s love each other.

“That’s what we’re trying to do.

“It’s wonderful to welcome everyone.”

Speaking on what lies ahead for the next year, he continued: “For my sins, I run eight restaurants now.

“Next year will be about keeping them afloat and to make sure that everyone is employed and that there is bread on the table in every home.”

The town’s mayor, Dominic Pinkney, and assistant mayor, Elizabeth Shepherd, were also present at the event.

They praised the ‘diversity’ within the town and hope its residents will be able to celebrate Diwali at the end of the month.

It is based in the Crown HotelIt is based in the Crown Hotel (Image: NQ)

Mr Pinkey said: “We’re here to celebrate Diwali in Amersham at this brilliant restaurant.

“It’s exciting to have an event around Diwali as there is a big South Asian population in Amersham, and it’s important to celebrate the diversity of all the cultures in the town.

“We have a fantastic Indian restaurant in one of the town’s most iconic buildings.”

Mrs Shepherd added: “This is a diverse place and there is a mix of cultures.

“A mix of different individuals enriches everyone’s understanding of different cultures which is great to see.”