GRANDMOTHER Lalita Kanji Raithatha was determined to lead a parade through the streets of Derby, even at the age of 84.

The pensioner had pride of place at the head of hundreds of Hindus on a procession around Normanton.

The colourful event yesterday was held to celebrate the arrival of 14 religious statues – handmade in India – to the Geeta Bhawan temple, in Pear Tree Road.

Lalita, who carried a gold urn representing OM, or peace on earth, danced with members of the public and even police officers at the climax of a four-day religious ceremony to mark the unveiling of the marble icons.

Alongside her were son Atul and granddaughter Shivinie, 16. Atul said: "My mother is very strong for her age. She loves it – there's no stopping her."

Shivinie equally praised her grandmother, saying: "I can't believe how much energy she's got. I've never experienced anything like this before. It's amazing."

Lalita and 500 other Hindus, brightly dressed in traditional orange, red and gold clothes, marched along Pear Tree Road, Walbrook Road, Upper Dale Road and Stanhope Street.

Many of them waved flags, some beat drums and others sang and rattled tambourines.

They stopped outside the Krishna Sweet Centre, a shop selling Indian food, for spicy bhajis and hot teas.

Prem Shukla, who helped organise the parade, was among those dancing to the beat.

He said: "We've never had anything like this in Derby before – it's been a fantastic day."

About 200 more Hindus, in addition to those who paraded, visited the temple to marvel at the metre-high statues.

They came from Derby, Nottingham, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, London and further afield.

The statues were officially installed after the procession and Madhu Shastri, from the National Council of Hindu Temples, was invited to address the throng.

Priest Shastri said: "It's a wonderful celebration for the temple."

The parade was the culmination of the four-day process of preparing the 14 icons, which represent 14 different gods and goddesses.

Five priests washed them in holy water from the River Ganges, in India, and stood them on wheat grain and rice – to "purify" them – before they were dressed with traditional flowers and clothes.

The statues were revealed yesterday by removing their blindfolds – to symbolise them being born into the temple.

Senior trustee Kanty Patel said: "We've had a good response from people from day one. We invited all of the temples from the UK today – they are our guests."

He praised the fund-raising efforts of Derby's Hindu community.

The statues cost £40,000 and were paid for through donations from worshippers, who also contributed to the building of the new temple, which opened last summer.

Temple elders wanted the new statues because they are bigger and more appropriate to the new building, which cost £750,000.

The former, smaller statues will remain in the temple but will not be prayed to.

The holy icons were made in Jaipur – famous for its high-quality marble and statues.