RESIDENTS at a Reading care home turned on all the lights to celebrate the start of the Hindu festival of Diwali.
Austen House in Lower Earley treated its community to a colourful display as part of what is known as the festival of lights.
Some dressed up for the occasion and had fun joining in with a day of singing and dancing.
Residents helped make colourful patterned rangoli and lighting diyas – small oil lamps lit to signify the triumph of good over evil.
After decorating the home with lights and colourful fabrics, staff, residents and relatives enjoyed a party, with live traditional tunes from local musician Shradha Khare.
Kalakunj children’s group, led by dance teacher Ananya Chaterjee, also performed traditional Indian dance, known as Bharathnatyam.
Head chef Ainsworth Brown prepared traditional Indian dishes including a range of warming curries, spicy samosas, crispy bhajis and papadums with lime pickle and chutneys, followed by traditional Indian sweets such as laddoo and barfi for the residents and relatives to enjoy.
Frances, a resident at Austen House, said: “I love all of the different cultural events that we celebrate here, there’s always something going on.
“I especially like the religious festivals from other cultures and sampling the wonderful food.
“It makes me feel like I am travelling abroad.”
Arturas Repkovas, General Manager at Austen House, said: “To celebrate Diwali at the home was fantastic – the colourful glow of the lamps created a very wonderful atmosphere and our chef made the most delicious dishes – everyone had a fantastic time.”
Austen House, run by Barchester Healthcare, provides nursing care, residential care and respite care.
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