Barking and Dagenham Council wishes a very happy Diwali to its residents who are celebrating this weekend.

The council knows this is a special time of year, usually a time for coming together with family and loved ones. 

But as new lockdown restrictions came into place last week, the council wants to remind residents that it’s vital that they celebrate at home and only with those from within their household or support bubble.

We know this is a very special time of year for those who celebrate Diwali. We want to make sure that people celebrate safely and follow the guidelines set out during our current lockdown. So this Diwali let us give thanks for all we hold dear. Our health, our family and our friends and I wish you a happy and safe Diwali!

It will be tough, but this is so important to help keep people safe and reduce the spread of Covid-19. The council is asking that people perhaps connect virtually this weekend by having a video call and delaying meeting in person until it’s safe to do so.

The council will be sharing a celebratory message across its social media channels on Saturday, which will feature Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, Cllr Saima Ashraf, which also includes several faith leaders wishing residents of the borough a very happy Diwali.

There is also a specially created Diwali celebrations poster, which residents can download and put in their window, letting their neighbours know that they will be celebrating safely this year.

Cllr Saima Ashraf said: “We know this is a very special time of year for those who celebrate Diwali. We want to make sure that people celebrate safely and follow the guidelines set out during our current lockdown. So this Diwali let us give thanks for all we hold dear. Our health, our family and our friends and I wish you a happy and safe Diwali!”

People can download the poster here - www.lbbd.gov.uk/posters-for-events-during-covid-19-pandemic