This evening, the Hindu community of Gibraltar will gather together to celebrate the Festival of Lights - Diwali.

YGTV reporter Priya Gulraj explains what it’s like for a typical Hindu household to celebrate the festival in Gibraltar.

She said: “On Diwali, my friends and family carry out prayers in their places of business, and in their homes, and then we all gather in the Hindu Temple this evening to pray, followed by langhar, which is when food is served in the temple.

“On Diwali we pray to Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, and we welcome her to our house and shops to bless us for the year ahead.

“The run up to Diwali is always a fun time, there’s a long preparation of cleaning our homes, decorating and preparing sweets which we offer to Goddess Laxmi during the prayer, and also exchange with our friends and families.  

“There’s nothing quite like celebrating Diwali at home in Gibraltar, and the best part is spending time with your loved ones. It’s colourful, it’s festive and it’s great fun.”

Diwali is celebrated to mark Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Rama defeated Ravana in battle, and on his way back to his village, the residents lit diyas or candles, to lead his path home. The festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil and of light over darkness.

In Gibraltar, Diwali is celebrated by the Hindu community with a number of events, including a Diwali Ball for the adults, as well as one for the children. There are also various parties held amongst friends and it’s a time for celebration for the community as a whole, where they all gather to wish each other a Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year ahead.