THE festival of Diwali is being marked virtually as coronavirus restrictions keep many from celebrating in person with their loved ones.

With a nationwide lockdown being put in place in England to halt the spread of Covid-19, many have looked online to provide Diwali celebrations.

South Asian arts education charity, Kala The Arts, held an online Zoom event on Friday evening, inviting the Basingstoke community to join its local artistic director, Sushmita Pati to take part in the festival of light.

The charity acknowledged its sadness at not being able to run an in-person event in Basingstoke this year, because of Covid restrictions.

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr Diane Taylor, posted a message on her official Facebook page, saying: “Happy Diwali to all our Hindu and Sikh friends in Basingstoke. Enjoy the celebrations at this special time.”

Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in the Hindu calendar, celebrated to symbolise the victory of light over darkness, and good over evil.

Traditionally, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs illuminate their homes and workspaces with candles and lanterns to celebrate the festival.

Get in touch to let us know how you celebrated Diwali this year, and send your photos to newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk.