THOUSANDS of people are set to descend on Letchmore Heath this Sunday as the village’s Hindu temple celebrates Diwali.

About 15,000 people are expected to attend the festival of lights celebration in Bhaktivedanta Manor which will include colourful dances, plays, bullock cart rides and free vegetarian meals for everyone in attendance.

The festivities will finish at 7.30pm in what the organisers said would be one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Greater London.

Temple worshiper Kripamoya das said: “Diwali is a time for family and for prayers, sacrifice and charity. Millions of Hindus around the world worship Lord Rama on this day by lighting lamps and sharing a sumptuous vegetarian feast with friends and neighbours.”

Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness and is based on the story of Ramayana in which Lord Rama slays the demon Ravana.