India celebrates the Diwali festival of lights with colours and fireworks

India is celebrating "Diwali", also known as the "Festival of Lights", which symbolises the triumph of light over darkness. It is one of the most popular sacred festivals in the country and has been celebrated for more than a millennium. 

During the celebration, candles, lamps, lanterns, and fireworks are lit. Cities are illuminated by the glow of multicoloured lights.

In addition, homes are decorated with colourful patterns of rangoli art and lit with special lamps known as diyas and decorative lights.

For some groups of people (such as business communities in western India), Diwali coincides with the beginning of the New Year. Traders and businessmen close old accounts as a sign of getting rid of everything that has gone before.

In addition, in the southeastern state of Tamil Nadu, public holidays have been announced from 31 October to 1 November, according to ANI, a partner of TV BRICS.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, described this year's Diwali as "special", as it will also be celebrated in the temple complex in the city of Ayodhya. 

During the celebration, people exchange greetings, good wishes, and gifts and also hand out sweets to each other as part of the tradition. 

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