Swindon’s traditional Diwali celebration was moved online this year, but that didn’t stop the celebratory feeling.

The Hindu Temple hosted a virtual festival over Zoom with a number of guest speakers and traditional performances from local people.

The event, which usually sees close to 1,000 people attend, was organised by Pradeep Bhardwaj, chairman at the Swindon Hindu Temple, who believes it was a huge success.

He said: “Obviously without the constraints and limitations we would have celebrated in a big way.

“This year was different in more ways than one but people are always looking forward to this time of year because it is like our Christmas.

“Everybody appreciated the online event, a lot of people joined our call and watched on Facebook as well.

“And since the event a lot of people have been going back and watching the event over again.”

The event featured a number of performances and ceremonies that would normally feature during the annual celebration.

This included a Diwali Puja Thali and demonstration, traditional dances from Priti Mane and Natasha Rathore as well as a Rangoli Floor Art demonstration from Kavitha Sathyadevan.

Despite the event taking place over Zoom, it did not lessen the feeling of unity within the community and from further afield.

One of the guest speakers was South Swindon MP Robert Buckland who said: “At a particularly dark time in terms of challenges we’re facing, I can think of no better way than to shine a light in the darkness by marking Diwali and encouraging the wider community to understand the meaning of the festival of lights.”

Also making an appearance was the CEO of the Great Western Hospital Trust, Kevin McNamara, who spoke about the issues facing the town this winter and thanked the community for their support.

He said: “At times it’s been difficult to feel positive but I try to look forward to the positives everyday.

“The pandemic has taken a huge toll on our communities and we face more uncertain times in the weeks ahead.

“While Covid is the defining story of 2020, the message of Diwali is something we can draw comfort from, knowing that in the end life overcomes darkness.”

During the festival, a small number of people were at the Swindon Hindu Temple to help it run smoothly, which is allowed during the current Covid guidelines from government.