Weybridge care home residents celebrate Diwali with dancing and traditional food

Residents at a Weybridge care home celebrated Diwali with an evening of traditional dancing, food and festivities.

Burwood Grange Care Home marked the Hindu festival on Friday, November 6, with residents learning some dance moves from Dorte, of Ishtar Dance Academy.

They also took part in lighting diyas – small oil lamps traditionally used during Diwali to symbolise the triumph of good over evil.

The festival is associated with Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, with the lamps traditionally lit to welcome her into people's homes.

Residents sampled Indian dishes including spicy samosas and sweets such as laddoo and gulab jamun.

Joan, who lives at Burwood Grange, said: "I so enjoyed it. I have never been to India so had no idea what to expect. The beautiful dresses the ladies wore were magnificent!"

General manager Dacre Lassauniere said: "To celebrate Diwali at the home was fantastic. It was a wonderful atmosphere with lots of smiles as residents and staff participated in the activities and enjoyed some tasty dishes – everyone had a lovely time."