Resplendent in their brightly coloured costumes, dancers and actors brought the stories of Diwali to life.

The festival of lights celebrates the occasion when good triumphed over evil and brought new meaning to the people of the world.

And celebrations took place across Croydon with performances of traditional dances in North End, Croydon, classical Indian music.

Hare Krishna devotees, from the South Norwood Temple, led prayers and staged a version of the Hindu story Ramayana.

Your Local Guardian:

Your Local Guardian:

Your Local Guardian:

There were also stalls offering Indian snacks and sweets.

Celebrations also took place at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road, Thornton Heath, where 400 guests enjoyed an evening of Indian vegetarian food.

The evening continued with more Indian dances, prayers and music and a drama on the Ramayana by the Bhaktivedanta Players.

It was organised by ISKCON South London on behalf of the Croydon Hindu Council.