Millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains all over the world this week celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights and the victory of good over evil.

The five-day holiday is a spiritual celebration that marks the beginning of a Hindu new year and a new financial year for Indian businesses.

According to Hinduism, Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana returned from exile to the ancient Indian city of Ayodhya, where villagers set out clay lamps called diya to light their way.

People nowadays dress in new clothes, illuminate their homes, eat sweets and set off firecrackers to offer an auspicious start to a new year.

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