MEMBERS of Hindu organisations across the Bradford district have wished people a happy Diwali.

Diwali is a five-day ‘Festival of Lights’ and a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, and it begins this week.

The festival usually occurs between October and November, with the date changing each year.

This year it will take place between today and November 6, with the most important day of the festival falling on November 4.

Originating in India, Diwali is celebrated across the world by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, but for different reasons.

Bradford Hindu Council (BHC) has released a five-minute video featuring groups from across the district sending their best wishes for Diwali.

The video messages come from groups including the Bradford Bengali Hindu Cultural Society, UK, Anand Milan Centre Bradford and the Bradford Inner Space Meditation Centre.

The video below also features adults and children alike sending their best wishes.

Harkishan Mistry, BHC general secretary, said: “Shubh Deepawali (Happy Diwali) and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan (Happy New Year) from everyone at Bradford Hindu Council.”

The Hindus celebrate the return of Lord Rama – an avatar of the Hindu supreme god Lord Vishnu- with his wife and brother to the Kingdom of Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years.

The streets and towns were lit up with Diwas (candles) to welcome them home.

In South India, Diwali is the day in which demon Narakasura was defeated by Sri Krishna and Satyabhama.

To others, Diwali is dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to bring wealth and prosperity.

In many households, the celebrations include a puja (worship) of the Goddess to pray for health and happiness.

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

Gifts of clothes and sweets are also exchanged between people, with markets and stalls selling items months before the festival takes place.