ONE of Europe’s biggest celebrations of the Hindu festival, Navratri, took place in Northolt this week.
The nine-night-10-day festival was held at Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community Centre.
Northolt had 700-800 visitors on weekdays and up to 1,500 people at the weekend.
Centre manager Shivlal Vekaria said: “It’s one way of making young people understand and diversify them in the knowledge of our culture.”
Shreenal Patel, 22, said: “It’s something I look forward to every year. It most definitely brings people together, not just for those with religious beliefs but those who appreciate a good night of dancing and a taste of the Indian culture.”
Women wore brightly-coloured chaniya cholis or saris, which mimic the latest Bollywood trends, and people laid offerings to the Goddess Durga and her manifestations.
The nights ended with a prayer for health and prosperity.
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