New Indian group formed in Bath

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is symbolised by the lighting of lamps and candles

A new group, which celebrates Indian traditions and culture, is staging its first festival in Bath this month.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, will be marked with fireworks and a banquet, is being hosted by the newly formed Bath Indian Society.

The group has only been running for three months but has already proved a success, according to organisers.

Diwali is a festival which celebrates good overcoming evil and is symbolised by the lighting of lamps and candles.

Group founder, Hema Kariyappa, said: "As an Indian myself in Britain, I found that we've got various groups in Bath but none of them were an Indian group.

"I could see that there were groups thriving in Swindon, in Bristol, in Reading, but none in Bath.

"I think I felt the need [for a group] more when I had my baby and I wanted to pass to her our Indian culture and traditions, so that she's proud of her origins.

And Hema, who moved to the UK six years ago, has been overwhelmed at the success of the groups so far.

"To be honest we didn't expect such a response initially because, from our experience of holding Diwali, we thought there were just 60 to 80 families but now we know otherwise - there are lots more than we anticipated.

"A lot of the British locals themselves are quite interested about what we've got to offer as a society, so it has been quite an overwhelming response."

The Diwali celebrations are being held at Bath City Football Club, Twerton, on 25 October 2009 from 5.15pm to 9.30pm.