Light and color come to the event in Trafalgar Square

Hundreds of dancers opened the event and performed in front of a large crowd

PA Media Dancers hold up their blue, pink and orange saris in a line during the Diwali on the Square celebration — Hundreds of dancers opened the event and performed in front of a large crowd

Thousands of people took part in a free celebration full of light and color in central London ahead of Diwali.

Hundreds of dancers in colorful saris performed at the 'Diwali on the Square' event in Trafalgar Square, while music, comedy shows, yoga and sari and turban tying workshops also entertained the crowds.

Diwali, the festival of light, is an important festival for Hindus and Jains, with Sikhs also celebrating Bandi Chhor Divas on the same day.

The festival, that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evilfalls on October 31st this year.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the event “brings together Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds”.

PA Media artists wearing black and orange clothing clap and chat in Trafalgar Square — Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the event “brings together Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds”.

For some Hindus, Diwali marks the beginning of the new year and marks the return of the deities Rama and Sita after 14 years in exile.

The festival is known to Sikhs as Bandi Chhor Divas and celebrates the release of the sixth Guru Hargobind Sahib from prison in 1619.

For Jains, it is about the moment when the founder of Jainism, Lord Mahavira, achieved a state of being known as moksha or eternal bliss.

The event featured many deities, including this version of Ganesh

An inflatable statue of the Hindu god Ganesh in white, gold and pink with an elephant head and four arms — The event featured many deities, including this version of Ganesh

Diwali – also known as the festival of light – falls on October 31 this year

PA Media A woman in a pink and white sari looks up at the sky while dancing during the event — Diwali – also known as the festival of light – falls on October 31 this year

The event in Trafalgar Square is organized every year by the Diwali in London Committee and the Mayor of London.

Diwali London volunteer Harj Sethi spent the day running a stall where people could learn how to tie turbans.

“For many years we had the sari stand and they would tie sarees and the guys would just stand around and think, 'What are we doing?' And we said, “You know what, we're going to start tying turbans,” he said.

“Different styles require different skills, different folds and different types of materials.”

He encouraged those attending the event to try one out, saying the concept of a turban was “universal.”

“Kings in Africa… wear them, Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth – she had worn a turban, the Sikhs – we wear turbans, people in the Middle East.”

Many different dance styles were featured at Diwali on the Square

PA Media Dancers hold up their colorful saris in a line during the Diwali on the Square celebration — Many different dance styles were featured at Diwali on the Square

Among the comedy performers was a man in a red turban who appeared to be sitting astride an elephant

A man wearing a red turban and yellow garland wears a comedic elephant costume that gives the impression that he is sitting on it — Among the comedy performers was a man in a red turban who appeared to be sitting astride an elephant

People of all ages took part in the celebrations.

Romilly, 17, said that although she is not Hindu, “being Indian is part of my culture and it is good to educate myself, not just with Diwali.”

She was given a henna design on her hand “just to enjoy the festival” and added: “Culture is meant to be shared so everyone can try to share it together.”

The Shah family brought their children to the event and both Aira, six, and Eva, eight, decided to paint henna designs on their hands.

Aira said she enjoyed the crowd of people, while her sister Eva said: “I like dancing.”