Hindus around the country have started preparations for their biggest festival of the year Diwali, which is only 17 days away.

This year's Diwali falls on Saturday 17th October while the public holiday for Diwali falls on Monday 19th.

The secretary of the largest Hindu organization in the country Shree Sanatan Dharam Prathinidhi Sabha said many people have called them in relation to the exact date on which Diwali should be celebrated.

Kamal Sharma said there is confusion amongst many Hindus which needs to be clarified as Diwali this year falls on Saturday and not on Monday.