Lanterns illuminated for the Diwali festival, Mumbai, India
© RAMNIKLAL MODI/Shutterstoc
All aglow for Lakshmi Pujan. Celebrating Diwali!
Diwali is a five-day celebration of the symbolic victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Though Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the Hindu faith, it is also embraced by Sikhs, Jains, and even some Buddhists. Celebrants often decorate their homes with oil lamps called diyas and create colourful patterns on the floor known as rangolis. Streets, markets, temples, and other public spaces are also illuminated with hanging lanterns like those seen in our homepage photo.
Each day of the festival has its own significance, but day three – called Lakshmi Pujan – is considered the main event. Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth. To prepare for Lakshmi Pujan, people clean their homes to welcome Lakshmi's blessings of prosperity and happiness. Diwali celebrations in 2021 last until November 6, so there’s still time to embrace the light.
Related Images
Diwali rangoli and diyas in Varanasi, U.P.
Lanterns at Datang Furong Garden, Tang Paradise in Xi'an, China
Composite photo of Kolams during Pongal
Half-painted Ganesha idol at a workshop in Bangalore
Hsearchardee County Fair in Wauchula, FL
Dubai Miracle Garden, United Arab Emirates
The installation 'Waldplastik' during Blue Night in Nuremberg, German
At Casa Batlló for Saint Jordi’s Day in Barcelona, Spain
Bing Today Images
