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Diwali is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. These photos are from last year's celebration.
Millions of Indians celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights and one of the most important events in the Hindu calendar.
The annual festival tends to take place between October and November, but the exact date varies each year as the Hindu calendar is based on the Moon.
This year, Diwali is celebrated on Thursday, but some parts of the country will observe the holiday on Friday.
People light oil lamps and candles on this day to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
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Many Hindus worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, on Diwali
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A few days before the festival is Dhanteras, a day when people buy gold, silver or even new metal utensils, as they are believed to bring wealth and good luck to the household.
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During the festival, houses, offices and streets are decorated with flower garlands
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Lights and lamps illuminate the lanes and alleys
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People light oil lamps and candles to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness
As Diwali approaches, people clean and organize their homes. New clothes are purchased and treats and gifts are exchanged with friends, families and neighbors.
Many draw traditional designs like rangoli – made from colored 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 make her way into homes.
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People dress up in their finest clothes to celebrate Diwali…
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…and gather with friends and family to pray, exchange treats and gifts
Fireworks are also an important part of the celebrations, but in recent years several state governments have imposed restrictions or banned the practice, as northern Indian states grapple with severe pollution air.
The sale and use of firecrackers is completely banned in the capital Delhi during the festival, while states like Haryana, Punjab and Karnataka have restricted the use of firecrackers to specific hours of the evening. Diwali.
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Bursting firecrackers are a popular part of the festivities
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But authorities have cracked down on firecrackers as pollution levels rise in northern India.
