Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is one of the biggest celebrations in the Sikh, Hindu and Jain calendar. Fireworks, candles and oil lamps, as well as special meals with family and friends, usually add to the festive mood.

 

This year, however, restrictions on social gatherings because of the pandemic and the current lockdown, means that many public events have been cancelled.

 

Diwali celebrations go ahead for 2020, but with a technological twist. And as one of the annual events caught up in the nationwide lockdown, Diwali cannot go ahead as normal but organisers of the usual city centre festivities have come up with an alternative.

 

Normally the Festival of Lights event is held on Victoria Square in Birmingham city centre, but due to Covid-19 restrictions, this year’s celebration is being held virtually via social media. Diwali on the Screen is featuring new and traditional singing, folk dance and performances from established and up and coming acts.

 

The Consul General of India, Birmingham, Dr Shashank Vikram, said: "Diwali is perfect example of community cohesion and these joint celebrations are perfect representation of how darkness continues to be defeated and UK’s multiculturalism is celebrated.

 

"At a time of great national and international difficulty, the need for festivals that brings light into our world has never been more important.

 

"I hope that, even though celebrated virtually this year, its message of light, hope and joy will resonate the same feeling.”

 

The free-to-watch online event is being streamed.