Millions of people from around the world are celebrating one of the largest and brightest festivals from India.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is the third of a five-day celebration in the Hindu lunar calendar, and is typically celebrated in the autumn every year. Falling on Nov. 11 this year, the celebration signifies the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Each year, people light lamps and fireworks, pray for wealth and prosperity, and give out sweets.
In the two days preceding Diwali, people spend time preparing their homes for the festivities. On the first day, Hindus will clean and decorate their homes. On Day 2, families will buy or prepare sweets for the main festival.
Families hand out gifts on the day after Diwali. This day also marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for merchants. The fifth day, known as Bhai Dooj, is a celebration of the brother-sister relationship — and is marked with gifts and sweets between siblings.
For Sikhs, Diwali is a day to commemorate the freedom of one of their gurus from a Mughal emperor. Each year, the Golden Temple in Amritsar is lit up.
Diwali also holds a special significance for Jains, who believe Mahavira attained enlightenment.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted about the phone call he received from President Barack Obama to mark the occasion.
Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton offered greetings on her Facebook page, wishing "a bright year ahead to all celebrating the Festival of Lights."
Former Maryland Gov. and Democratic presidential candidate Martin O'Malley, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and New York Sen. Kristin Gillibrand also extended their greetings for the holiday.
The Republican National Committee also released a message wishing a "happy festival of lights" on the first day of Diwali.
“From the lighting of the Diya, a lamp, to feasts and prayers, this joyful celebration continues to represent the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. As Republicans, we continue to support religious freedom throughout our great nation," the RNC's message said.
