Hundreds attend special ceremony in Wembley

One of the borough’s major festivals came to a close this weekend as the Hindu community celebrated the end of Navratri with special dance competition.

More than 350 people packed into Copland Community School in Cecil Avenue, Wembley, on Saturday for the lively celebration.

Children and adults alike joined in the fun which strived to find the best dressed and best male and female dancer.

The Navratri celebrations, which take place across nine days, honour the Hindu deity Durga and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

They officially ended last week October 24 but the Hindu Council, who organised the event, saved the best till last. Festivities went long into the night and the winners were congratulated and presented with trophies.

Navratri, which has been celebrated in Brent for more than 30 years, was entirely self-funded for the first time this year after funding for festivals was withdrawn by the local authority last year.

Mahendra Pattni, secretary of Brent’s Hindu Council said: “Everyone had lots of fun and a great community spirit was present in the hall.

“It was a great evening with the best dance players and attractive traditional dresses on display.”

Brent Council leader Cllr Muhammed Butt joined in the fun alongside his political opposition, Cllr Paul Lorber, leader of the Liberal Democrats while Cllr Ketan Sheth and Cllr Krupa Sheth (Lab) were also in attendance.