Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and for over 1 billion Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists globally, it has a special spiritual and social significance.
Diwali is being celebrated over 5 days this week by communities across India, but also world wide, including in Newcastle and across the UK.
The festival of Diwali extends over five days and celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.
Happy Diwali to all those celebrating in Newcastle and across the world!
Find out more about Diwali in history, traditions and customs, meaning and significance, celebrations and regional significance – from the Society for the confluence of festival of India.