On Friday 9th November 2007 most offices and businesses close in Fiji to commemorate the Hindu Festival of Lights, Diwali (also known as Deepawali). Fiji's population is comprised of approximately 48% of Indians or Indo-Fijians, so the Hindu culture is very strong. It is rightly recognised and Diwali is the most important cultural/religious date in the Hindu calendar, such as Christmas is to the Christians. Indo-Fijian homes and business premises will be brightly illuminated with flashing lights and firecrackers are usually set off to celebrate this happy festival.