Bradford Council regrets that the district’s residents will be unable to celebrate Diwali (also known as Deepawali) this year in the way they would normally do because of the National
Restrictions coming into effect on Thursday 5 November.
The five day Diwali celebrations for the festival of light starts on Saturday 14 November this year and is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and some other local communities.
Residents in the district are being encouraged to mark Diwali as best they can but to keep to the regulations to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
This is even more important now that new National Restrictions will be in force.
When celebrating at home, please remember the new restrictions mean that you must not meet other households socially indoors or outdoors and use technology where possible to link up with family members in other households.
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said:
“The Prime Minister’s announcement over the weekend means that homes across the district will not be able to celebrate Diwali in the way the festival normally is, that’s a real shame and I want to send my heartfelt sympathy to residents who would normally be celebrating at this special time of year.”
“COVID19 is affecting all our lives and we all notice it more at times like Diwali when families normally get together to celebrate and share this important festival in Bradford.
“Although this year’s Diwali will be affected, we want to keep the coronavirus under control so we have a better chance of reducing the restrictions we find ourselves under and we can only do that with your help.
“Hopefully there will be a vaccine available in the not to distant future which will allow us to get back to a more normal life in time for next year’s Diwali celebrations. In the meantime we have still put up the lovely Diwali lights all around the city centre in Bradford to remind everyone that even in a time of darkness, the light can shine through.”
