More than 600 devotees of the Hindu faith turned out at the Versailles Convention Centre tonight to get a head start on celebrating Diwali.

Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for humankind. The lights also represent the time when Lord Rama came back from the forest, and villagers lit lamps to welcome him back home.

“It’s a major Indian festival that is very significant in Hinduism — a time of the year when families, friends and communities come together in a spirit of celebration and joy,” said Sanjeev Srivastava, the organizer of Diwali Dhamaka 2007. The festival is presented by the KC Group.

Srivastava describes ‘dhamaka’ roughly as ‘blast’ or ‘noise,’ and there were plenty of both throughout the night. The live entertainment included Bollywood and Garba dancing, accompanied by traditional Indian instruments. “Back in India, there would be firecrackers and fireworks, but obviously we cannot use them in a hall like this,” said Srivastava.

The highlight of the evening was the lighting of hundreds of Diwali lamps, called diyas. Snacks and a buffet dinner kept stomachs filled; and a DJ kept feet hopping until almost midnight. Part of this year’s proceeds will go to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. “We choose a different cause each year,” said Srivastava. “Next year, it might be the Trillium Health Centre or scholarships for college students.”

Srivastava founded the Mississauga-based KC Group, dedicated to preserving Indian cultural heritage here in Canada, four years ago. From a few dozen families, it has grown to include more than 400 families from across the GTA and elsewhere.

Nov. 9 marks the official day of Diwali in 2007.