TODAY hundreds of people have woken up to a New Year.

Last night the city’s Hindus and Sikhs celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, in style with colourful fireworks, prayers, dances and gifts.

Now it is the second day of Diwali celebrations and today marks the New Year for the worshippers.

As part of their celebrations, households of Hindus and Sikhs will dress in new clothes, excited children will ask for the blessing of their elders and families will continue to exchange gifts.

Southampton’s Vedic Society Hindu Temple will tonight see worshippers gather to pray to the Gods and mark the occasion from 6.30pm.

Asian families have been busy preparing more than 200 dishes of vegetarian food and at 7.30pm the food is offered to the Gods in the temple on Radcliffe Road, Northam.

Then the food will be taken to the neighbouring community hall and will be enjoyed by everyone in the community including people from other faiths.

Dhurjati Shukla, assistant secretary of the temple, said: “Today is a very special time for both Hindus and Sikhs because it marks a new beginning and a fresh start. At Diwali everything is forgiven and forgotten.

“Sharing a meal brings everybody together regardless of faith. It is a very special time.”

The Diwali festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.