Across Greater Manchester, the vibrant energy of autumnal devotion is sweeping through neighbourhood halls and sacred spaces as families prepare for festive gatherings.

The annual Navratri festival begins on Sunday and runs until 20 October, with celebrations across the region.

Dedicated to the goddess Durga and her triumph over demonic forces, the nine-night observance carries an electric sense of devotion that unites generations under one roof.

While numerous religious traditions feature reflective prayer and quiet feasts, this particular gathering distinguishes itself through non-stop communal movement.

In towns like Oldham, community venues such as Shree Radha Krishna Mandir are hosting free events throughout the festival.

The Indian Association in Oldham is holding free celebrations from 19:00 to 23:00 BST every day until Tuesday 20 October at Shree Radha Krishna Mandir on Schofield Street. Bharat Kumar Sisodia from the association called it the "major festival of the year".

Central to the evening revelry is the rhythmic swirl of the Garba dance, where concentric circles of dancers orbit sacred shrines draped in colourful fabrics.

Later in the evening, the atmosphere intensifies as partners take up lacquered sticks for the fast-paced Dandiya Raas.

The sharp, synchronised clacking of wooden batons echoes through community centres alongside live music.

As the celebrations build toward their grand finale, the region showcases an exuberant collective spirit that illuminates cool autumn nights across the North West.

Sources: BBC News. This article was produced with the help of AI tools and checked by an editor against the sources above.