Christmas decorations are already up across Barnet with two months still to go before December 25.
Town hall bosses say the lights will mark the start of the Hindu Diwali festival of light on November 14. But Tories this week accused the council of using the festival as an excuse for inefficiency.
Tory Councillor Brian Coleman suspects an official reluctance to pay overtime to have the lights fitted closer to Christmas.
He stormed: "Since when have snowmen been a symbol of Diwali? I'm not anti-Diwali but that is absolute tosh it's Barnet Council covering up."
Lights will be switched on in East Finchley, Golders Green and North Finchley on November 14.
They will then be retained as part of the subsequent Christmas and New Year celebrations, according to the council.
Hindu leader Satguru Ravikumara Swamigul, of the Sri Gayathri Matha Temple in Edgware, welcomed the gesture.
Diwali was about celebrating the start of a new year and leaving behind past sins, he said.
"It's good that they are trying to celebrate multi-faith society in this way," he said.
"I don't think it's a waste of money because money is wasted on all sorts of things all the time."
Councillor Monroe Palmer, Barnet Council's cabinet member for development and regeneration, said: "Diwali is an important festival for many members of the community and we are proud our town centres are joining in celebrations."
He added: "It shows a great sense of community spirit."
October 31, 2001 17:59
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