Hundreds attend Diwali event along Amersham's Sycamore Road

The annual Hindu festival which celebrates light occurred on November 1 and 2, with millions of Indians across the world partaking in the festivities.

This included those in South Buckinghamshire, as Sycamore Road in the town was decked in colour to mark the occasion.

Organised by  Arvind Maheshwari, a resident of Little Chalfont and a member of the Amersham and Villages Community Board, hundreds attended the event which boasted numerous stalls that offered free activities such as Rangoli, Diya decoration, Mehndi (Henna), face painting, saree draping, and Bollywood dancing.

Hundreds of people attended the event (Image: NA) There was also a book stall and traditional Indian sweets and savouries.

Mr Maheswari said: “This event would not have been possible without the dozens of local volunteers who worked with me to organise it.

“I would like to extend a huge thank you to these volunteers, the market traders who bring vibrancy to our town every Tuesday, and the local charity shops in Amersham.

“We were pleased to donate traditional Indian clothing to these shops, helping them raise funds for important causes.”

Many people enjoyed the activities that were on offer (Image: NA) Angela from Woodlands Day Nursery in Amersham added: “We had been celebrating Diwali in the setting and were excited to be able to celebrate with the local community. 

“This event was extremely well organised, and the children enjoyed participating in the wide range of activities, from trying on traditional clothes to the Diwali arts and crafts, and traditional dancing.

“What a perfect way to celebrate.

“We look forward to joining in next year as well.”

Having moved to Amersham three years ago, raising a young family here and running a small local business with his wife, Arvind revealed he was ‘hugely appreciative of what Amersham and Chesham Bois has to offer and how welcoming people are’.

Diwali takes place every autumn (Image: NA)

He also mentioned that Diwali is a ‘significant time of year’ for him and many residents in Amersham.

The event, which took place on October 30, was described as the ‘perfect opportunity to bring communities together and raise money for local charities’.