A COLOURFUL display of fireworks will light up the Hampshire skyline to mark Diwali, the biggest event in the Hindu calendar.

Thousands of people across the county are gearing up for the religious celebration, known as the Festival of Lights, which commemorates the triumph of good over evil.

One of the main gatherings takes place at the Vedic Society Temple in Northam, Southampton, with hundreds of people expected to enjoy the festival.

Businessmen and women will take part in a special ceremony to pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, for a successful year before a 40 minute fireworks display starts at 8pm tomorrow.

The day after Diwali, Annkot, will see people flock back to the temple to enjoy a sumptuous feast of sweet dishes during the evening.

Naresh Sonchatla, vice-president of the temple in Radcliffe Road, said: "The return of Lord Rama is a huge celebration because he represents qualities such as honesty, humbleness and discipline, which people try to adhere to. Every year our celebrations have attracted people from all over Hampshire and Dorset and we are expecting it to be an even bigger success this year."

Diwali celebrates the day when Hindu god, Lord Rama, and his wife, Sita, returned from the jungle after 14 years in exile to reclaim his kingdom.

Lord Rama's father, Dashrath, granted one of his wives, Kaikaya, a wish that he vowed to honour. When Dashrath decided that Lord Rama, son of his other wife Kaushalia, be made king, Kaikaya asked for her wish and requested that her son, Bharat, be made king and Lord Rama exiled.

Every house in India remained in darkness during his absence but lights were immediately turned on again when he returned.

Cllr Parvin Damani will be joining in other festive celebrations when she switches on the Diwali lights in Derby Road, Southampton.

Meanwhile, children at the nearby Maytree Nursery and Infants School will be putting on a Diwali show to raise money for local elderly Asian residents.