Several reports of gunshots over the weekend turned out to be nothing more than fireworks in celebration of the festival of Diwali, something Toronto police say is a hallmark of the city's diversity.

Const. Jenifferjit Sidhu said police received multiple calls beginning on Friday night across the city for sounds of gunshots, many in open areas such as parks and parking lots.

"It's multiculturalism at its best in Toronto, which is what we're known for," Sidhu told CBC News.

Update:<br>- police on scene<br>- confirmed fireworks<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyDeepavali?src=hash">#HappyDeepavali</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyDiwali?src=hash">#HappyDiwali</a><a href="https://twitter.com/TPS42Div">@TPS42Div</a> —@TPSOperations

Sidhu could not say how many such calls were received over the weekend but said they came from the city's east to west ends. Upon arriving, police found that sounds were in fact fireworks for the the five-day festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and others around the world.

"We have tons of diversity and with that comes the celebration of different holidays that make up the mosaic of the city."

Diwali, also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights, is a spiritual celebration commemorating the victory of light over darkness and hope over despair. The event is marked by lights, lanterns, candles and fireworks in communities around the world.

Sidhu said police sometimes get similar calls on Canada Day and Victoria Day but usually not to the same extent.

"I think specifically with multicultural holidays not everyone is aware," she said, adding she wouldn't be surprise if the number of mistaken reports go down in the future as more people become aware of celebrations like those held for Diwali.

Sidhu says police respond to all reports of sounds of gunshots to ensure the public's safety but in these cases, when police arrive and realize the sounds were just fireworks, they're often invited to partake in the Diwali celebrations.

Update:<br>-police on scene<br>-confirmed fireworks <a href="https://twitter.com/TPS22Div">@TPS22Div</a> <br>Happy Diwali! ^js<a href="https://twitter.com/TPS22Div">@TPS22Div</a> —@TPSOperations