Hundreds packed out the kitchens of a Hindu temple in Willesden in preparation for the start of this year’s Diwali celebrations.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Worshippers at Shree Swaminarayan make Matthias under the guidance of head chef Shivji Hirani (Pic: Adam Thomas)Worshippers at Shree Swaminarayan make Matthias under the guidance of head chef Shivji Hirani (Pic: Adam Thomas) (Image: Archant)

More than 400 worshippers at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Willesden Lane gathered to prepare traditional treats for the 12,000 devotees who are expected to celebrate the Hindu festival of light which starts from today.

Three generations of Shree Swaminarayan worshippers donned aprons to prepare traditional matthias, papda, and chocolate bounty treats.

Sanjay Khetani from Shree Swaminarayan said: “It was great, so many came and we are expecting between 10,000 to 12,000 to be here for our special congregation and lunch celebrations on Thursday.”

Younger devotees decorated the temple with lights ready for Tuesday’s ritual song and dance ceremonies in honour of the Hindu god Lord Hanuman.

Brent & Kilburn Times: More tham 12,000 food packages were prepared for thousands of worshippers expected to attend the Temple to mark Diwali (Pic: Adam Thomas)More tham 12,000 food packages were prepared for thousands of worshippers expected to attend the Temple to mark Diwali (Pic: Adam Thomas) (Image: Archant)