India lights up to celebrate Diwali

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights though it is celebrated by other communities too in many parts of the nation.

The day of Diwali is also an official holiday in India.

It is celebrated in honour of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshama and their return from Lanka.

In most parts of the country, houses are cleaned and decorated with flowers, garlands and lamps. Many communities wear new clothes on this day.

Making of sweets and savouries for sharing during Diwali is also another aspect of the festival.

Leaders and noted personalities too have been conveying Diwali greetings.

President of India Pranab Mukherjee, in his message, said, “Diwali is a harbinger of hope and aspirations for a better tomorrow. It signifies the triumph of righteousness and victory of good over evil. May the lighting of lamps this year dispel the darkness of ignorance and suffering and illumine our lives with hope and prosperity. Let us all celebrate a safe and pollution free Diwali."

Vice President of India, M. Hamid Ansari, said, "Celebrated with traditional fervor and zeal, Deepawali signifies the victory of good over evil and reaffirms our faith in the noble and virtuous life of Lord Rama. May this festival bring peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness in our lives.”

"A Diwali in remembrance and in prayer for our soldiers that sacrifice their lives to safeguard our happiness !!," screen legend Amitabh Bachchan tweeted on the occasion.

Other celebrities too sent special Diwali messages to the soldiers, responding on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call.

Gujaratis observe New Year the day after Diwali.