Square hosts Diwali celebrations

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights

Trafalgar Square was in full swing throughout Sunday afternoon for the Diwali celebrations.

Magical light displays, floating lanterns and a huge model of Ganesh the elephant adorned the square as part of the free Festival of Light.

Diwali welcomes in the New Year and symbolises the power of good triumphing over evil and the renewal of life.

Mayor Ken Livingstone said Diwali was a "vibrant and colourful occasion, which brings people together".

Traditional Indian dance

He said: "This year's Diwali celebration takes place in the context of great joy and sadness.

"London won the competition to host the greatest sporting event in the world - the Olympics - then suffered the tragedy of the terrorist attacks the following day.

"I want to thank London's Asian community for their support in helping win the Olympics and their solidarity in standing together with all communities against the terrorists and those who tried to exploit the atrocities to divide us."

Contemporary and traditional Indian dance is performed at what is the most important celebration of the year for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs.