Diwali is a Hindu festival celebrated annually (Picture: Getty)
This week there are bound to be fireworks galore, and no, it’s not Guy Fawkes Night yet.
Diwali – also known as Divali or Deepawali – is also taking place this week, and is celebrated over five days in many parts of the world, with the main festival day taking place tomorrow, October 24.
What is the festival celebrating and how long does it last?
What is Diwali?
Diwali is a Hindu festival, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world.
It is commonly referred to as the festival of lights since a lot of the celebrations involve big, bold displays of light and colour.
The term dipavali comes from the Sanskrit meaning ‘row or series of lights.’
As well as symbolising the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance, Diwali is often associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.
How do people celebrate Diwali?
Those celebrating the festival will typically decorate their homes with lights and rangolis, elaborate patterns made out of materials including rice, coloured sand and flowers.
There are usually big celebrations in big towns and cities across the world, where there will be fireworks, light displays, dancing and food.
Lockdowns as a result of the coronavirus last year meant that celebrations had to be tempered last year, with many hoping to make up for the lost time in 2021.
One of the most popular dishes to eat in Diwali is called Lapsi Halwa, and is made from cracked wheat, cooked with ghee and sweetened with sugar and cardamom.
London comes to life with colour and celebrations (Picture: Rex features)
How long does Diwali last?
The festival usually lasts up to five days, coinciding with the new moon on the Hindu lunar calendar, called Amavasya.
How to wish someone a ‘happy Diwali’
A simple ‘happy Diwali’ will do the trick, but there are other Diwali wishes you can say to anyone celebrating the festival.
A traditional Diwali greeting is to say ‘wishing you a Diwali that brings happiness prosperity and joy to you and all your family.’
You won’t be Sari to join in with the good times (Picture: Rex Features)
You can also wish: ‘May your life be as colourful, shimmering and magical as the lights of Diwali.’
Another can be: ‘May every aspect of your life be as luminous and wonderful as the lights on the lamps of Diwali.’
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As the kids say, Diwali, the festival of lights, is lit.