Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated in autumn. As the Hindu calendar is lunar-based, Diwali falls on different dates each year in October or November. Diwali commemorates the return of King Rama to his kingdom after defeating the demon Ravana and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Homes and public places are decorated with lights and fireworks, and sweets are exchanged between family and friends to celebrate.

1. DEEPAVALI THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Prashant Mehta

3. WHY ISN'T DIWALI CELEBRATED ON THE SAME DATE EACH YEAR? The Hindu calendar is based on the lunar cycle and the movement of the moon, unlike the conventional Western (or Gregorian) calendar. The result is that Hindu festivals move about the Western calendar from year to year. Diwali, for example falls on the date of the new moon between the Hindu months of Asvina and Kartika, usually this is in October or November.

5. THE CORONATION OF PRINCE RAMA After defeating Ravana and returning to his hometown he was then made the king.

10. RANGOLI-PAINTED PRAYERS

11. COLOURFUL MARKETS

12. LIGHTS-LAMPS AND FIREWORKS

13. RAMLILA

14. SWEETS

15. Diwali Puja