Hindus around the world came together over the weekend to celebrate Diwali, otherwise known as the festival of lights.
Diwali is considered one of the most auspicious times of the year for Hindus, and it marks the beginning of a new year in the Hindu calendar.
Though Diwali itself is one day, the rituals typically last over a five-day period, during which people celebrate by gathering with friends and family, lighting candles and firecrackers, and creating festive decorations meant to invite Goddess Lakshmi – the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity – into their homes.
In addition to India, Diwali is also widely celebrated in countries like Britain, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
Devotees light candles at a Gurdwara, or Sikh temple, during celebrations to mark Bandi Chhorh Divas, which coincides with the Hindu festival of Diwali, in Chandigarh, India.
A woman colors earthen lamps for sale ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali in Mumbai, India.
Children play with balloons during Diwali celebrations in Leicester, Britain.
A Tamil devotee lights oil lamps at a religious ceremony during the Diwali or Deepavali festival at Ponnambalavaneshwaram Hindu temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
An Indian girl plays with firecrackers during Diwali festival in New Delhi on Sunday.
A family from the Hindu community light fireworks as they sit next to a traditional artwork outside their house while celebrating the Diwali festival, in Karachi, Pakistan.
Candles are arranged to form a tribute to the Indian army inside a cricket stadium on the eve of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights in Allahabad, India.
A street vendor spreads vermilion powder used for worship during the Tihar festival, also called Diwali, in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Participants from Newar community in traditional attire, dance during the Newari New Year parade that falls during the Tihar festival, also called Diwali, in Kathmandu, Nepal.
A woman plays with firecrackers with her son to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Mumbai, India on Sunday.
A woman from the Hindu community holds an earthen oil lamp while taking part in a ceremony to celebrate Diwali at Krishna temple, in Lahore, Pakistan on Sunday.
An elderly man offers sweets to an image of Hindu Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali festival in New Delhi, India on Sunday.
