A 16-page supplement has been produced by the Leicester Mercury to celebrate the Asian festival of Diwali.

Around a third of the city’s population is of Asian descent and the city hosts several major events each year to coincide with the festival.

More than 35,000 people turned out to see the switching on of Leicester’s Diwali lights this year along the “Golden Mile” in the city’s Belgrave area ready for Diwali day yesterday.

The Mercury’s advertising-supported supplement to celebrate the festival of light included first-person pieces from leading politicians and religious representatives, background information on the Diwali itself and a what’s on list of events and media coverage.

Fashion news, views from readers and recipes also featured.

Diwali celebrations have different meanings depending on which part of India people originate from:

For Hindus it also marks the beginning of the financial new year; for Sikhs it is the time to remember the release of Guru Hargobind from the Gwanlilor Fort and Bengalis use the festival as a time to worship Kali, the goddess who destroys all evils on earth.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]