Diwali 2018: India gears up to celebrate the festival of lights

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most celebrated occasions in India. Also known as Deepawali/Deepavali, it is observed across the country in the autumn season, and by Hindus world-wide. This year, Diwali falls on November 6 and 7. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastav)

The first day is celebrated as Chhoti Diwali and the latter is the main day. (Express photo by Nirmal Harindran)

The significance of the festival is the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. (Express photo by Rohit Jain Paras)

The preparations of this festival begin days before the actual date. People clean and renovate their homes and offices, special shopping is done for the occasion, homes are decorated with lights and much more. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastav)

The market too booms with various varieties of crackers, lights, lamps candles and sweets.(Express photo by Narendr Vaskar)

Diwali is around the corner and the shopkeepers are having a busy time catering to orders. (Source: PTI)

The festivities begin with Dhanteras, followed by ‘Narak Chaturdasi’ on second day, Deepawali on third day, ‘Diwali Padwa’ dedicated to matrimony on fourth day and ends with ‘Bhai Dooj’ dedicated to sister-brother bond on the fifth day. (Source: PTI)

Over the period of five days, people visit their friends, families and relatives and exchange gifts and greetings. (Source: PTI)

Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshiped on the occasion and people seek for their blessings. (Source: PTI)