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India celebrates Diwali, the festival of lights

Getty Images People light earthen lamps on the banks of Sarayu river during a programme, on the eve of Diwali, on November 11, 2023, AyodhyaGetty Images
Diwali is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar - these pictures are from last year's celebration

Millions of Indians are celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights and one of the most important events in the Hindu calendar.

The annual festival tends to fall between October and November, but the exact date varies each year as the Hindu calendar is based on the Moon.

This year, Diwali is being celebrated on Thursday, but some parts of the country will observe the festival on Friday.

People light oil lamps and candles on the day to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Getty Images People buy idols of Hindu goddess Lakshmi and other gods at a market in HyderabadGetty Images
Many Hindus worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, on Diwali
Getty Images A woman looks at a gold necklace and earrings at a jewellery store at Zaveri Bazaar during the festival of Dhanteras in Mumbai, on TuesdayGetty Images
A few days before the festival comes Dhanteras - a day when people buy gold, silver or even new metal utensils as it is believed to bring wealth and good luck into the household
Getty Images People buy marigold flowers, fresh roses and garlands at the flower marker in GurugramGetty Images
During the festival, homes, offices and streets are decorated with garlands of flowers
Getty Images Rows of apartments lit up with electric lights and lamps in a housing complex in Mumbai's ParelGetty Images
Lights and lamps brighten up lanes and bylanes
Getty Images People shop for candles and earthen lamps ahead of Diwali in Kolkata, on October 29, 2024Getty Images
People light oil lamps and candles to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness

In the lead up to Diwali, people clean and organise their homes. New clothes are bought and sweets and gifts are exchanged with friends, families and neighbours.

Many draw traditional designs like rangoli - made using colourful powders - outside their doors to welcome luck and positivity.

On this day, families worship Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth.

Lamps are lit and windows and doors are left open to help the goddess find her way into people's homes.

Getty Images A man lifting up his child to see Diwali lightings set up at Janpath Market in New DelhiGetty Images
People dress up in their finest clothes to celebrate Diwali...
Getty Images People light earthen lamps on the banks of Sarayu river in Ayodhya on November 11, 2023Getty Images
...and gather with friends and family to pray, exchange sweets and gifts

Fireworks are also a big part of the celebrations but in recent years, several state governments have imposed curbs or banned the practice as northern Indian states grapple with severe air pollution.

There is a complete ban on sale and use of firecrackers in the capital, Delhi, during the festival while states like Haryana, Punjab and Karnataka have limited firecracker use to specific hours on Diwali evening.

Getty Images A man walks past a stall at a firecracker fair ahead of the Diwali in Kolkata, on October 29, 2024Getty Images
Bursting firecrackers is a popular part of the festivities
Getty Images A vehicle sprays water onto the road for dust suppression in New Delhi, India, on TuesdayGetty Images
But authorities have been cracking down on firecrackers as pollution levels increase in northern India

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