Lanterns illuminated for the Diwali festival, Mumbai, India
Lanterns illuminated for the Diwali festival, Mumbai, India (© RAMNIKLAL MODI/Shutterstock)
All aglow for Lakshmi Pujan
Diwali is a five-day celebration of the symbolic victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Although Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the Hindu faith, it is also embraced by Sikhs, Jains and even some Buddhists. People often decorate their homes with oil lamps called diyas and create colourful patterns on the floor known as rangolis. Streets, markets, temples and other public spaces are also illuminated with hanging lanterns like those seen in our homepage photo.
© RAMNIKLAL MODI/Shutterstock