Indians celebrate Diwali as bright earthen oil lamps and colorful lights illuminate homes and streets across the country to mark the Hindu festival that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.

Diwali is the most important festival of the year in India and especially for Hindus. It is celebrated across all religions in the world’s most populous country and in the diaspora.

For five days, starting on Thursday, people take part in fireworks shows, celebrations and prayer. Diwali is derived from the word ‘Deepavali’, which means ‘a row of lights’. Celebrants light rows of traditional clay oil lamps outside their homes to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar and typically fall in late October and early November.

The festival brings with it a number of unique traditions that vary by region. What all celebrations have in common are lights, fireworks, wearing new clothes and praying.

In southern India, many have an early morning bath with warm oil to symbolize bathing in the sacred river Ganges as a form of physical and spiritual purification.

In the north, worshiping the goddess Lakshmi, who symbolizes wealth and prosperity, is the norm.

Gambling is a popular tradition due to the belief that those who gamble during Diwali will prosper throughout the year. Many people buy gold on the first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras – an act they believe will bring them good luck.

Setting off fireworks is a cherished tradition, as is exchanging sweets and gifts among friends and family. Diwali celebrations typically include rangoli, which are geometric floral patterns drawn on the floor with colorful powders.

This year, several northern Indian states, including the capital New Delhi, are introducing partial or complete fireworks bans to combat rising pollution levels during Diwali.