Diwali, otherwise known as the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated today by millions of people across the globe.
It's a festive and joyful occasion that sees people attend feasts, set off fireworks, exchange gifts, and decorate their homes with beautiful lamps, bells and flowers. Many regard Diwali as a new beginning, or the start of a new year.
Here's everything you need to know about Diwali :
When is Diwali 2018?
Diwali is celebrated in the Autumn, usually sometime between mid-October and mid-November. In 2018, it's today - Wednesday 7 November.
Celebrations started two days ago, on Monday 5 November, and will continue until Friday 9 November.
How do you wish someone a Happy Diwali?
It's perfectly polite to just say "Happy Diwali", but you can also say "May your life be as colourful, shimmering and magical as the lights of Diwali!" or "Wishing you a Diwali that bring happiness, prosperity and joy to you and all your family!"
Which religion celebrates Diwali?
Diwali is celebrated around the world by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Newar Buddhists. It marks different historical events and stories for each different religion, but all celebrate the symbolic triumph of light over darkness, and good over evil.
One of the Diwali legends celebrated by Hindus, for example, is the return of Rama and Sita, who were exiled for 14 years. The night that they returned to their kingdom was dark and moonless, and so people put lamps outside their homes so that Rama and Sita could find their way back.
How long does Diwali last?
Diwali is a five day festival, with the celebrations' climax on the third day. Today is a public holiday in many countries, including India, Malaysia, Nepal and Fiji.
How do people celebrate Diwali?
On the day of Diwali, people share a feast either at their workplace, at the temple or at their home. They wear their best clothes, and in the evening, they light lamps and pray, before celebrating with music, sweets and often fireworks.
Many Diwali rituals are dedicated to the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, and families in India will light lamps and leave their doors open to welcome her in. They will build a small altar to Lakshmi, who is the Goddess of Wealth, and decorate it with money or symbols of prosperity.
In India, it is also traditional for people to float oil lamps across the river Ganges. It is considered good luck if the lamps manage to reach the other side.
The day after Diwali, the fourth day of celebrations, is dedicated to the bond between husband and wife. Husbands will give gifts to their wives, and newlywed couples will celebrate with their parents.
On the final day of Diwali, Friday 9 November, the bond between siblings is celebrated. Women will invite their brothers for a meal, or those without siblings (or who cannot visit them) will offer prayers to the moon.