Diwali in Photos: How People Celebrate the Festival of Lights

According to Hindu mythology, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the defeat of demon king Ravana. Residents welcomed Rama home with lit diyas to signify the victory of good over evil. A diya is a small oil lamp, usually made from clay or metal, that is used during various Hindu rituals. The lamps, which can also burn ghee, are lit during puja (worship) and are one of the most important Diwali traditions because the holiday marks the triumph of light over darkness. Lighting diyas during Diwali is associated with positive energy, happiness, knowledge and prosperity.

Rangoli—derived from the Sanskrit word “rangavalli,” which means “rows of colors”—is an intricate but temporary art form created on the floor. Typically, women in India create designs on their home’s thresholds using powders such as turmeric, flower petals or chalk. Rangoli is meant to invite prosperity and good luck into the home.

While rangoli can be created year-round, it takes on special significance during Diwali. The colorful patterns, which can feature floral designs, peacocks, paisley or lotus, are created to welcome Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, beauty and prosperity. Elaborate rangoli designs are often decorated with diyas during Diwali.

Although lit diyas are the featured light source during the festival of lights, firecrackers eventually made their way into Diwali celebrations. They have been used to kick off the festival.

In recent years, however, environmental concerns have prompted restrictions and bans on firecrackers in India. In the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), only approved green firecrackers, which produce fewer emissions than conventional fireworks, are permitted during designated hours. In Mumbai, the Bombay High Court has restricted the use of firecrackers on public streets and in locations such as Shivaji Park in Dadar during Diwali in 2026, citing air and noise pollution concerns.

Marigolds are associated with Hindu weddings and Diwali celebrations, as the flowers symbolize passion, wealth and happiness. Their vibrant orange and yellow hues are associated with positivity and protection. Blooming in India primarily during the cooler months, marigolds are also used to decorate homes and temples during other religious ceremonies.

As Diwali celebrations have spread around the world, so have the festival’s traditions. Western Sydney is home to a large Indian Australian community, so signs of the festival of lights appear every October or November. Diwali’s timing is determined by the Hindu lunisolar calendar, but the holiday typically falls in October or November on the Gregorian calendar.

Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, represents both material abundance and spiritual well-being. She is often depicted sitting on a lotus, holding lotus flowers in her hands. For many Hindus, Diwali is a tribute to Lakshmi. Part of the observance involves cleaning homes and lighting it with rows of lights to invite her in.

Feasts and desserts are hallmarks of many holidays, and Diwali is no exception. Jalebi, a spiral-shaped dessert popular in India, is a favorite during the festival of lights. The crispy treat is made by deep-frying batter then soaking the confection in a saffron- and cardamom-infused syrup. The dessert is crispy on the outside but chewy inside and best eaten hot.

One explosive way to celebrate Diwali is a firework show. Both individuals and community groups organize large fireworks displays for the holiday. However, some displays have faced restrictions in 2026 amid drought concerns, especially as farmers and people in rural areas are struggling from the effects of the drought.

Although Diwali is not a federal holiday in the United States, Hindu Americans and members of other communities often gather to celebrate. They observe traditional rituals such as praying, decorating their homes with lights and creating rangoli designs. Local residents also set off fireworks as local restrictions allow.