The Diwali Festival of Lights is organised by the Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation (IHWO), with the support of local community groups and councils. The annual Dwali celebrations have been taking place in Northampton Market Square and town centre since 2000. The Northampton festival day of cultural activities culminates in a spectacular parade featuring giant puppets of deities and animals alongside hand-held lanterns created by community groups and local schoolchildren.
Diwali or Festival of Lights, is one of the most importat and widely celebrated festivals in Hindu culture. It usually lasts five days and marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The celebrations often feature the telling of stories central to Hindu religion such as the story of Prince Rama and his wife Sita. Families celebrate by lighting oil lamps (diyas), deorating homes with rangoli, exhacnging sweets and letting off fireworks. Spiritually Diwali emphasises renewal, hope and the victory of righteousness, making it a deeply cherished occasion.
This tin can, 10.8cm tall, diameter 4.9cm, was discovered in the 1960s during the demolition of a row of houses in Burton Latimer called Wallis’s or Maycock’s Yard.
Black and sepia poster, printed on paper 173cm H x 94cm W, printed by Clarke & Sherwell Ltd. The poster is one of a pair, both at Stowe House, this one is located in the Museum, the other can be seen on display in the Ante Library.
These are the Archer Attendance Award Medals, awarded to Margaret Archer, a pupil at Spratton CE Primary School between approx. 1907 and 1912. There are four medals, awarded for two, three, four and five years good attendance respectively.
© NMAG
© Kirsty Edmonds
©
Stowe House Preservation Trust
