THOUSANDS of people across Hampshire will gather tonight to celebrate Diwali.

One of the biggest festivities centres on Southampton, where a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night sky to mark the Hindu event.

Scores of residents in the county are expected to gather at the Vedic Society Hindu Temple in Radcliffe Road, Northam, for the colourful extravaganza.

Sikh Gurdwara temples will also be holding their own ceremonies to celebrate the occasion.

The event marks the joyous day when Lord Rama and his wife Sitaji, returned from 14 years of exile in the jungle to reclaim his kingdom.

Tonight's event at the Vedic temple begins in the early evening when heads of business offer prayers to Laxmi Puja, the goddess of good fortune and wealth.

About 500 people are then expected to enjoy the dazzling 40-minutes fireworks display at around 8.30pm.

Festivities continue tomorrow for Bestu Varash, New Year's Day in the Hindu calender.

More than 100 sweet dishes will be blessed in the temple before hundreds of people enjoy the feast.

Naresh Sonchatla, vice-chairman of the temple, said: "For the Hindu community, Diwali is the festival of the year it's like Christmas. That's how big it is.

"At the moment there are about 800 Hindu families in Southamp-ton.

"Over these two days, we will probably see every family.

"It has become so big at the temple that we have been organising this for the past three months whereas before we could start in the morning and be ready by the evening."

Lord Rama was exiled from the city of Ayodhya to the jungle by his father, at the wish of one of his wives.

Diwali marks the moment of his return.