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In Pictures: Diwali Festival

India lights up for Diwali during the five days of festivities that began November 13.

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Potter Dev Karan Parjapati, 40, carries a tray of clay diyas before putting them in the kiln in Delhi.
By Showkat Shafi
Published On 14 Nov 2012

Diwali, the festival of lights, began on November 13 and will be celebrated by millions around the world for the next five days.

Also known as Deepawali in India, the festival is celebrated by Hindus to commemorate the homecoming of the god Ram after he spends 14 years in exile.

For many in India, it also marks the end of the harvest season and is the chance to give thanks to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity.

While the story behind Diwali and the manner of celebration varies from region to region, the festival is celebrated in memory that good prevails over evil.

During Diwali, the vibrant lights of traditional clay lamps, known as diyas, are lit and children set off firecrackers. Families get together, wear new clothes, and share sweets.

Diwali, a national holiday in India, is also celebrated by a number of other countries around the world, and Sikhs, Buddhists, Arya Samajists and Jains also observe the festival.

A roadside vendor sells diyas of various colours, shapes and sizes. The clay lamps are in high demand during the festivities.
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A shop in old Delhi sells some of the decorative items used during Diwali. Indian markets witness higher numbers of customers before the celebrations.
Diwali rush seen at the New Delhi railway station. An estimated 3.5 million people left Delhi two days ahead of Diwali to celebrate the festival at their respective homes.
A shopkeeper sells idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh, the god of prosperity. The worship of these deities are the most important part of Diwali celebrations for Hindus.
A shopkeeper packs a box of traditional Indian sweets, which people gift to their relatives and friends during the 5 days of festivities.
A woman makes Rangoli and decorates it with diyas. Rangoli is a colourful decorative pattern made on the floor of the house or at the entrance to welcome Lakshmi into the house. Rangolis are made of powdered colours, paints and flowers.
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A family in Delhi during during Diwali celebration. The festival is celebrated with family members, who all perform traditional rituals together.