COLOURFUL celebrations and fabulous feasts took place over the weekend to herald the biggest event in the Hindu calendar.

Among the most extravagant Diwali gatherings was at the Vedic Society Temple in Southampton, where a spectacular 40-minute firework display lit up the night sky.

About 500 people turned out for the event, which was preceded by a special ceremony inside the temple in Radcliffe Road in Northam.

Scores of business bosses offered prayers to Laxmi Puja, the goddess of good fortune and wealth, to hope their firms would be successful in the coming months.

Diwali celebrates the day when Hindu god Lord Rama and his wife, Sitaji, returned from being exiled in the jungle for 14 years to reclaim his kingdom.

Scores of people returned to the temple yesterday for a sumptuous feast to mark Annkot/Bestu Varash, New Year's Day in the Hindu Calendar.

Temple vice-president Naresh Sonchatla said: "Everyone had been looking forward to the celebrations and there were massive preparations in the days leading up to it.

"Everyone brought sweet dishes into the temple for Annkot, which were all displayed by shrines during the day.

"During the evening, after the food had been blessed, everyone all joined together to share the food. Everybody had a fantastic time."