A huge event of fireworks and festivities is being held for the whole community this weekend as the Hindu faith celebrates Dushera.

An afternoon of activities for the children, food from around the world, and fun for all the family will take place at Thames Promenade behind Rivermead Leisure Centre on Saturday from 2pm.

Henna painting, a funfair and a stage to showcase local talent will entertain throughout the day before the sun sets and the religious activities take centre stage.

The annual celebration commemorates the triumph of good over evil when the Hindu God Lord Ram killed the demon King Ravan.

The burning of the effigies – the evil king and his henchmen – will take place at around sunset and the homemade models that have been decorated by children from Reading will be burned to mark the occasion before colourful fireworks fill the skyline.

Around 3,000 people are expected at the event and organisers hope that people from the whole of the Reading community will come along, not just those celebrating Dushera.

Rahul Sankhla, one of the organisers, said: “Although we are celebrating an event in the Hindu calendar, we want the whole of the Reading community to come to the event and enjoy the activities we have on offer.

“There will be dancing and singing, mainly of Bollywood style, but other modern dancing too and then there will be a play depicting what Dushera is about being performed by local children who are aged between about four and 13.

“Three effigies are going to be burned followed by the fireworks, that will be the real showstopper, and we hope as many people as possible will come along and join in.

“Entry is free so even if you only have a spare half hour, come along and see what is happening.”

The event runs from 2pm to around 10pm. For more information visit www.readinghindutemple.com or call Mr Sankhla on 07877 519 947 or Vijay Mistry on 07768 142 339.

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