THE Phoenix Theatre at New College will be lit up with a showcase of South Indian music and dance in a special Diwali celebration.

More than 250 people are expect to fill the theatre from 5pm on Saturday to take part in the celebrations and watch a dance showcase prepared by groups of children, music recitals and a fireworks display.

This will be followed by a feast of food for all guests to enjoy, including special guests Sarah Troughton, the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, and South Swindon MP Robert Buckland.

The event has again been organised by the Tamil Association, and the president of the association, Ram Thiagarajah, is expecting this year to be as spectacular as ever.

“Diwali to Hindus and also to Sikhs and to Jains is just like Christmas is for Christians,” he said.

“It’s a celebration of light and the meaning of that for the victory of good over evil. But it’s not just the victory of good over evil but also of better qualities in yourself, like over anger and jealousy and that sort of thing.

“It always takes place in October or November, according to the Tamil calendar. A lot of Hindu festivals take place according to the moon. Diwali is the highlight of the calendar.

“There are usually some stories and myths that people tell. For us, we worship and tell stories about Narasimha.

“It’s also very common for Hindus to have an oil bath on the day and to dress up in new clothes. They then go to temple and say prayers with their friends and family, and then there is always a big meal and a party and fireworks.

“I am very much looking forward to the night, the children have been learning for a while to do a South Indian dance called bharatanatyam and there will also be traditional South Indian music with traditional mridangam drums; and there will be a violin recital as well.”

In the lead up to the celebrations, Wiltshire Fire and Rescue has reminded people to take extra care lighting lamps and candles.

During the festival a variety of lamps are burnt throughout the day and into the night to ward off darkness and evil and the fire service has reminded people to ensure all candles and diyas are in a safe and secure holder and that all tea lights are placed on a heat resistant surface away from soft furnishings, and not to leave them unattended.

Station manager Damien Bence, from the community safety department, said: “We want everyone to have an enjoyable Diwali and stay safe at the same time.

“Sadly, we have had fires in the past caused by Diwali candles that have caused real devastation. By following our advice, you can keep your family and home as safe as possible from the risks posed by fire.”

For non-members tickets to the Diwali celebrations are available at £5 for adults and £2 for children. To book call Nalayini on 07456 497808 or Vathsala on 07907 771454.

THE FESTIVAL EXPLAINED

DIWALI is an ancient Hindu festival of lights held every autumn to celebrate the metaphorical victories of good over evil.

Typically celebrations take place over a five-day period, with the main festival coinciding with the new moon.

There is significant variation in regional practices and rituals where Diwali is celebrated, and it is often used to draw attention to particular stories, myths and historical events.

Different deities are worshipped too, according to the different philosophies and traditions in Hinduism.

Typical traditions include cleaning and renovating the home before Diwali night, dressing up in new clothes or best outfits on Diwali night, and decorating homes with diyas – lamps and candles – as well as visiting the temple with friends and family.

There is also usually a feast, fireworks and an exchange of gifts.