Diwali (or Deepavali in Sanskrit) which literally translates to 'a row of lights', is the annual festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. It's also the largest celebration in their religious calendars.
In a nutshell, Diwali is a big fat fun party that's all about choosing "light" over "dark" or "good" over "evil".
And people celebrate Diwali by literally celebrating light! Traditionally oil wick lamps decorate homes and streets. But today, the technology of pyrotechnics and electric lighting has allowed communities to really get creative with their decorations.
That, coupled with the fact Diwali is now international, thanks to Indian diaspora, has brought rise to countries around the world creating innovative and intricate light displays to commemorate the occasion. Diwali is already a public holiday in 12 countries, and an official national holiday in several others including the UK and United States.
Some cities decorate streets in themed fairy lights, candles, and lamps. Other communities float lanterns along banks of rivers. Others towns have fireworks and futuristic light shows. Others still illuminate their major buildings in bright lights, like we do during the Vivid Festival.
Check out these epic Diwali light displays from around the world below.
Sydney. Australia
Sydney Opera House illuminated for Diwali Source: Getty
Singapore
Deepavali illuminations on Serangoon Road in the Little India district of Singapore City. Source: ullstein bild
Auckland, New Zealand
Manukau Diwali fireworks in Auckland city seen from a carpark with crowd viewing in distant. Source: Moment RF
Leicester, UK
A house is decorated to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali Source: Getty Images Europe
People gather to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali Source: Getty
Karachi, Pakistan
Pakistani minority Hindus celebrate Diwali with fireworks in Karachi Source: AFP
Vrindavan, India
Defying traditions widows of Vrindavan celebrate Diwali at their ashram at Vrindavan Source: Hindustan Times
Amritsar, Punjab, India
Fireworks are seen above the illuminated Golden Temple on the occasion of Bandi Chhor Divas or Diwali in Amritsar Source: AFP
