West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner joins Navratri festivities
4th October 2019
Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) joined the Navratri festivities in Bradford following an invite from PC Dharmesh Mistry.
Navratri is the Hindu festival symbolising the triumph of good over evil, celebrated for nine days (Sunday 29th September - Tuesday 8th October), which marks the end of the 9 day fasting period of Navratr.
The festival is celebrated by all Hindus and has a very special significance in the community leading up to Diwali.
The PCC joined PC Mistry, the local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) as well as some of West Yorkshire Police's Cadets at a celebration which was held at the Shree Prajapati Association in Bradford.
Mark Burns-Williamson, said: "I was delighted to be invited to attend the Navratri festivities in Bradford which was a great opportunity for me to engage with the local community and join the worshipers and celebrations.
"It was a fantastic and very enjoyable event and I'd like to say a big thank you to Dharmesh and the local volunteers for the invite and to recognise all the extra work he does for his community. Similarly to the Police Cadets and NPT Officers in attendance who really helped to make it a great evening for all concerned and strengthen those local links in keeping our communities safe."
Bradford Police Officer Dharmesh Mistry was recently honoured by the 2019 National Diversity Awards being shortlisted in the final eight for the Positive Role Model Award for Race, Religion and Faith.
As well as being a full time police officer, Dharmesh is very active in his community and volunteers with initiatives in Bradford which help the homeless and the vulnerable.
PC Dharmesh Mistry said: "It was really pleasing to see West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner among our guests for the Navratri celebrations in Bradford.
"Navratri is a truly special time for the Hindu community and I know that here in Bradford they were delighted to see the PCC and members of West Yorkshire Police all taking part in our festivities."