RESIDENTS at a Basingstoke care home have been celebrating Diwali in style this week.

Ashcombe House in Worting had a brilliant day on Thursday, November 4 as they marked the start of the Hindu festival of Diwali, popularly known as the ‘festival of lights’.

The home was decorated with battery operated candles to represent ‘diyas’ which are small oil lamps which are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil. Diwali honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, the lamps help Lakshmi find her way into people’s homes.

The afternoon saw an Indian Dance performance complete with drummer in the homes lounge where residents and staff even tried a few moves themselves! before the duo headed off to dance in rooms for individuals making sure no one was left out of the celebrations, residents enjoyed moving to the music alongside the dancer Maria.

Nurse Anita prepared traditional Indian dishes including a range of warming curries, spicy samosas, crispy bhajis with lime pickle and chutneys followed by traditional Indian sweet, laddoo for the staff to sample and enjoy.

Louise Lambert, general manager at Ashcombe, said: “To celebrate Diwali at the home was fantastic, the colourful glow of the candles and lamps created a very wonderful atmosphere alongside the dancing and music everyone had a fantastic time.

"Our life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities."