Thousands of people are due to visit a Hindu temple this weekend to celebrate the festival of Diwali.

Bhaktivedanta Manor, in Hillfield Lane, Aldenham, is preparing to welcome more than 15,000 guests for the Hindu festival of lights on Sunday.

Visitors will be treated to a day of colourful Indian dramas, traditional dance performances, face painting and henna tattooing, with a grand firework display due to light up the night sky at 6.30pm.

Diwali, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, is the second biggest festival hosted by the Temple after Janmashtami in August, which celebrates Lord Krishna’s birthday.

Srutidharma Dasa, temple president of Bhaktivedanta Manor, said: “Diwali is traditionally a time for families to come together – it gives us an opportunity to give, forgive and to be grateful.

“It is a time when we think about giving to others - helping those who are less privileged than ourselves. And, by forgiving others it grants us an opportunity for new beginnings. 

“Bhaktivedanta Manor’s Diwali celebrations promise to be spectacular this year – the fireworks against the famous Manor building have been an iconic celebration of this wonderful festival. Bring friends, bring family, bring the kids – it is one celebration not to miss out on.”