Photos

A row of earthen lamps also called as Diyas, part of the Diwali observance. (shot a few hours ago !)

"About Diwali (or Deepavali)" It is a major Indian holiday, and a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Many legends are associated with Diwali. Today it is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs across the globe as the "Festival of Lights," where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. Diwali is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the month Kartika.

In Nepal it is often called as Tihar.

"Deepavali" (also transliterated as "deepaavaLi") literally means a row of lamps (Sanskrit "deepa" = lamp and "aavaLi" = row, line). In due course, the popular name has shortened to Diwali, especially in northern India.