“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” Rev Dr Martin Luther King

Diwali is primarily a Hindu festival celebrated by adherents of other faiths too as a Festival of Lights. It celebrates the story of Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom after defeating the demon king Ravana, with the lights symbolising the candles the kingdom lit to lead the two home. In recognition of this and all festivals of light, there was a beautiful display of lights within the chapel: a light suspended from the beams, complemented by swirls of smoke created by a smoke machine for pupils and staff to lie beneath complementing the significance of light for them – victory of light over darkness, good over evil or perhaps knowledge over ignorance. Visitors enjoyed a selection of “Diwali doughnuts” to represent the community aspect of the holiday. Some chose to sit quietly in contemplation for a while and others used the occasion to discuss their spirituality with others. Thank you to all who attended!

The chapel was also lit by flickering candles each side of the aisle and visitors were invited to share the light by lighting tealights with tapers.