By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Diwali, the festival of lights, is being celebrated in the world including India on Sunday with traditional fervour and enthusiasm.
Days before the Diwali, the people began illuminating their homes with earthen lamps, decorated their houses with colourful lights. They are offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, and exchanging sweets and greetings.
The festival, which symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, brought families and communities together in celebrations marked by religious rituals, decorations and festive gatherings.
Temples and prominent landmarks across the country are being illuminated, while devotees have thronged places of worship to offer prayers. Most of the markets are buzzing since the festival is considered considered an auspicious occasion for shopping, purchasing new household items and making investments. People buy a variety of things, both for religious purposes and as part of the festive celebrations.
In Ayodhya, devotees gathered along the banks of the Saryu for prayers and a holy dip, while the Jagannath Temple in Puri witnessed a large turnout of devotees during the morning rituals.
In Kolkata, the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple was decorated with lights as the city celebrated Kali Puja alongside Diwali. Mathura and other religious centres in Uttar Pradesh also witnessed special lighting arrangements and festive activities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Diwali greetings to the people, wishing them happiness, peace and prosperity. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also extended greetings, wishing happiness, positivity and well-being for every family in the state.
Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya, the new moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik. According to Hindu tradition, the festival marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana. People light earthen lamps to commemorate his return and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
The five-day festivities began with Dhanteras on November 6, followed by Chhoti Diwali on Saturday. The main festival was observed on Sunday, with Lakshmi Puja forming the centrepiece of the celebrations.
The Diwali celebrations will be followed by Govardhan Puja on Monday and Bhai Dooj on Tuesday, completing the five-day festival season. While Govardhan Puja is associated with the worship of Govardhan Hill and Lord Krishna, Bhai Dooj celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters.