A highly anticipated annual fireworks display has been cancelled at short notice.

The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend has made last minute changes for its planned Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas celebrations.

Festivities are held every year inside the temple, and conclude with a colourful display outside in the evening.

They are held for Diwali, the Indian festival of light which is today (October 31), though some may be observing it tomorrow.

It also coincides with the Sikh holiday of Bandi Chhor Diwas – a day which marks freedom and liberty.

The gurdwara’s annual event will still take place but with some last minute changes.

All celebrations inside the gurdwara will continue as planned on Friday.

From 10am there will be hymns (Kirtan) and tales and teachings of Sikh history (Katha) up until 7.30pm.

But, the fireworks which had been due to start at 8pm will not go ahead.

A spokesperson for the Guru Nanak Darbar Committee explained the reasons for the changes to KentOnline.

They said: “This year’s observance of Bandi Chhor coincides with the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh Genocide.”

The tragic events saw a series of violent riots take place against Sikhs in India following the assassination of prime minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.

The spokesperson added: “In remembrance, the Jathedar of Akal Takht [worldwide Sikh head], Giani Raghbir Singh, has urged the Sikh community to honour Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s legacy with a solemn and dignified celebration, lighting only ghee lamps in gurdwaras and homes.”

A fireworks display honouring the 555th birthday of Guru Nanak will instead go ahead on November 15.