This year the festival of Diwali celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains falls on Friday 9th November 2007. Southall is one place where this “Festival of Lights” cannot be overlooked, as the town has tens of thousands Hindus and Sikhs.

Children have a holiday from school. Some schools in Southall will be closed for Diwali while others will be closed because of a Teacher Training day.

One of the easily noticeable things is the sheer number of the front garden walls covered in small lighted candles (divas).

The sky will be lit up in the evening and at night by a constant barrage of colorful, spectacular and loud fireworks.

Hindus celebrate the return of Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after their 14-year exile. It occurs on the fifteenth day of the Hindu month of Kartika.

Sikhs celebrate the release from prison of the sixth guru, Hargobind Singh in 1619.

Jains celebrate it as the moment, the founder of Janism Lord Mahavira reached a state called Moksha (Nirvana, or eternal bliss).

The festival starts at about 5pm on Friday 9 November and ends on evening of Saturday 10 November.

Although there will be no road closures, there will be traffic delays around the main roads in Southall. There will also be delays in the minor roads off the major roads.