New Delhi, Oct. 3 -- With Diwali weeks away, Hindus in the city Mississauga in Canada gathered on Thursday to oppose a proposed fireworks ban and "protect [their] right" to celebrate the festival of lights "with dignity".

Responding to a call to protest by the Canadian chapter of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), more than 100 Canadian Hindus packed the Mississauga City Hall.

"Diwali is the festival of light, prayer, and community. It's the laughter in our children's eyes as they light a sparkler, the glow of diyas in our homes, and the explosion of colour in our skies that marks our most sacred celebration," read the call by CoHNA.

"In one of Canada's most diverse cities, *why are Hindu Canadians being asked to dim the...