THOUSANDS of members of the Hindu community across the region have been celebrating the annual festival of Diwali.

As always the burst of colours, dance and fireworks could not have gone un-noticed in some parts.

Many families sit down for meals before gathering outside to mark the occasion with individual firework displays.

During the festival, people light up their homes with clay oil lamps, indicating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Uttambhai D Mistry, a leading light in the formation of the Bolton Hindu Forum, said, "Diwali is the most popular Hindu festival and it's great that people of all ages embrace it and understand its significance.

"I with everyone of all faiths a happy Diwali."

Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important. Enthusiastically enjoyed by people of every religion, its magical and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity. The word itself - Diwali or Deepaawali means an Array of Lamps i.e .Rows of diyas (Deep = Lamp, Vali =Array)

In a change from tradition the British Parliament created history by celebrating Diwali for the first time, the Hindu festival of lights, as an acknowledgment of the contribution of Indians to the British society.

Over 130 British MPs, cutting across party-lines, attended the celebration held in the Dining Room of the House of Commons where Lord Rama's bronze statue took centre stage with traditional wick lamps and rangoli floral designs surrounding it.

In a message, the British Prime Minister Tony Blair described Diwali as a wonderful festival.

"It is a time when the family is centre stage. It's also a time for celebration and reflection about what we have achieved in the past - and our ambitions and hopes for the future," he said.

Blair said he strongly believed that Britain's diversity of backgrounds and experiences had brought tremendous strengths and benefits to its society.

"Festivals like Diwali play an important role in helping us to appreciate and celebrate this diversity," he said.

"The reception marks the celebration of a Hindu festival in the precincts of the House for the first time in the history of the British Parliament," Ramesh Kallidai, General Secretary of the Hindu Council, UK, said.

"The Hindu Council's mission is to facilitate the social, economic, cultural and political integration of Hindus into British society, whilst maintaining their individual identity," he said adding the reception was hosted as an attempt to aid this process.