India celebrates the festival of lights

Getty Images People light earthen lamps on the banks of Sarayu River during a program on the eve of Diwali on November 11, 2023 in Ayodhya — Diwali is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar – these images 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 usually takes place between October and November, but the exact date varies each year as the Hindu calendar is based on the moon.

This year Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, but in some parts of the country the festival will also be celebrated on Friday.

On this day, people light oil lamps and candles to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Many Hindus worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, on Diwali

Getty Images People buy idols of Hindu goddess Lakshmi and other gods at a market in Hyderabad — Many Hindus worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, on Diwali

A few days before the festival, Dhanteras takes place – a day when people buy gold, silver or even new metal utensils as it is believed to bring wealth and good luck to the household

Getty Images A woman looks at a gold necklace and earrings at a jewelry store in Zaveri Bazaar on Tuesday during the Dhanteras festival in Mumbai — A few days before the festival, Dhanteras takes place – a day when people buy gold, silver or even new metal utensils as it is believed to bring wealth and good luck to the household

During the festival, houses, offices and streets are decorated with flower garlands

Getty Images People buy marigolds, fresh roses and garlands at the flower market in Gurugram — During the festival, houses, offices and streets are decorated with flower garlands

Lights and lamps illuminate alleys and side streets

Getty Images Rows of apartments illuminated with electric lights and lamps in a residential complex in the Parel district of Mumbai — Lights and lamps illuminate alleys and side streets

People light oil lamps and candles to symbolize the victory of light over darkness

Getty Images People shop for candles and earthen lamps ahead of Diwali in Kolkata on October 29, 2024 — People light oil lamps and candles to symbolize the victory of light over darkness

Ahead of Diwali, people clean and organize their homes. New clothes are bought and sweets and gifts are exchanged with friends, families and neighbors.

Many pull traditional designs like rangoli – made with colorful powders – outside their doors to welcome good 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 find her way into people's homes.

People dress up in their finest clothes to celebrate Diwali…

Getty Images A man lifts his child to see the Diwali lights being set up at Janpath Market in New Delhi — People dress up in their finest clothes to celebrate Diwali…

…and gather with friends and family to pray and exchange sweets and gifts

Getty Images People light earthen lamps on the banks of the Sarayu River in Ayodhya on November 11, 2023 — …and gather with friends and family to pray and exchange sweets and gifts

Fireworks are also an important part of the celebrations, but in recent years several state governments have restricted or banned the practice as northern Indian states struggle with severe air pollution.

During the festival, the capital Delhi has a complete ban on the sale and use of firecrackers, while in states such as Haryana, Punjab and Karnataka, the use of firecrackers is restricted to certain hours on Diwali evening.