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Photos: Diwali celebrations light up India and its global diaspora
Diwali is being celebrated across India and among its global diaspora, bringing people together for prayers, family reunions and festive gatherings. The festival is one of the most important days of the year for Hindus and is also observed by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists.
This year’s Diwali falls on November 8, following the Hindu lunar calendar. More than one billion people of different faiths take part in celebrations in India, which include lighting clay oil lamps and fireworks, feasting, wearing new clothes, making rangoli designs and exchanging sweets and gifts. Its name means “a row of lights”, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
In short
- Diwali is being celebrated in India and around the world.
- This year’s festival falls on November 8.
- Traditions include lamps, fireworks, feasting and gifts.
Explained simply
Diwali is a major festival in India, observed by Hindus and also by Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists. Its name means “a row of lights”, and the lamps used in celebrations are associated with light overcoming darkness and knowledge overcoming ignorance.
Families and communities mark the festival with prayers and gatherings, as well as food, new clothes, rangoli patterns and gifts. Celebrations also take place among Indian communities around the world, making Diwali an important occasion for the country’s global diaspora.