Residents are invited to join a special celebration of Diwali in Bow Street this weekend.

Diwali – known as the festival of lights – is an annual festival celebrated across the globe, traditionally by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists on 27 October.

Etymologically, Diwali is derived from the word ‘Dipavali’ in ancient Indian language Sanskrit meaning ‘A row of lights’. It is one of the oldest known festivals in the world with the mention of its celebration in 1st Millennium BC.

Although it had originally started as a harvest festival in ancient India, Diwali is generally celebrated to remind the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

The festival is always held in autumn every year climaxing on the darkest night in the lunar month.

Diwali has been celebrated in Aberystwyth for several years, with events organised by the members of the Aberystwyth Hindu Cultural Society (AHCS) raising money for a number of good causes.

This year, a special cultural event to celebrate Diwali will be held at Neuadd Rhydypennau on Saturday, 26 October, from 5pm.