NEW DELHI: Millions of Indians celebrated on Monday the festival of lights, Diwali, one of Hinduism’s most significant and widely observed holidays.
Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
In the northern parts of India, it marks Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, while in other parts of the country it is associated with Lakshmi, the deity of fortune.
It is celebrated with bright lights, prayers for wealth, health, and prosperity, and exchanging gifts and sweets. Homes and temples are cleaned and decorated with diyas — oil lamps — candles, paper lamps and traditional colorful designs known as rangoli to invite good luck.
Across the country, markets in cities and towns bustle with shoppers buying sweets, gifts, decorations, and firecrackers.
