Millions of people have flocked to firework displays, prayers and events to mark the start of Diwali, the annual festival of light celebrated every autumn around the world.

The festival sees Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair.

The date of Diwali changes each year in accordance with the Hindu lunar calendar.

It lasts five days in total, with the festival of lights falling on the third day of celebrations, which arrives on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik.

This year, that falls on 19 October.

Also known as Deepavali, a Sanskrit word meaning “rows of lighted lamps”, it is one of the most popular festivals celebrated across South Asia.

Diwali celebrations 2017 – in pictures Show all 11 1 /11 Diwali celebrations 2017 – in pictures Diwali celebrations 2017 – in pictures Diwali celebrations 2017 Young hocky players light candle after track pujan at Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium Rex Features Diwali celebrations 2017 – in pictures Diwali celebrations 2017 Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium decorated with oil lamps during Diwali celebrations Kumar Verma/ZUMA Wire/REX Diwali celebrations 2017 – in pictures Diwali celebrations 2017 Sri Lankan Hindu devotees offer prayers during Diwali Festival at a temple in Colombo AFP/Getty Images Diwali celebrations 2017 – in pictures Diwali celebrations 2017 A child watches fireworks at the Madan Mohan Malviya stadium AFP/Getty Images Diwali celebrations 2017 – in pictures Diwali celebrations 2017 An Indian Sikh devotee paddles in the holy water tank 'sarovar' AFP/Getty Diwali celebrations 2017 – in pictures Diwali celebrations 2017 A young Indian Sikh devotee lights a candle in the early morning during Diwali Festival AFP/Getty Images Diwali celebrations 2017 – in pictures Diwali celebrations 2017 Indian Sikh devotees take an early morning dip in the holy water tank 'sarovar' AFP/Getty Images Diwali celebrations 2017 – in pictures Diwali celebrations 2017 Indian Sikh devotees lights candles in the early morning AFP/Getty Images Diwali celebrations 2017 – in pictures Diwali celebrations 2017 An Indian Sikh devotee takes an early morning dip in the holy water tank 'sarovar' AFP/Getty Images Diwali celebrations 2017 – in pictures v Indians watch a sky lantern take flight during Diwali festival AP Diwali celebrations 2017 – in pictures Diwali celebrations 2017 Indian Sikh devotees light candles at sunset AFP/Getty Images

It sees millions of earthenware oil lamps, called diyas, light up people’s homes, shops, public spaces and places of worship as part of celebrations which mark the start of the Hindu new year.

It is also celebrated with music, candles, fireworks and the sharing of traditional sweets.

Many people prepare for the festival by cleaning and decorating their homes, and on the night of celebrations wear new clothes and take part in family puja, or prayers to Lakshmi.