Diwali fireworks over Chennai

The skies over Chennai and other Indian metropolises will explode with colour today, as Diwali descends on the subcontinent.

Millions of fireworks will be let off over the rooftops in Indian cities, while more subdued celebrations will take place in Melbourne and Sydney with community events planned.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali in some south Indian languages, is celebrated by Hindus to mark the return of King Rama after fourteen years in exile. It also generally celebrates the triumph of good over evil, a recurring theme of Hindu mythology.

A fireworks stall lit up in a Chennai neighbourhood

The festival is the year’s biggest religious festival for most Hindus, and is celebrated in several other South Asian nations besides India. Significant Hindu populations Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, along with some Buddhists in these and other neighbouring countries mark the event.

Pakistan’s small Hindu community will also celebrate amid tightened security, as Diwali this year falls just days ahead of the  sensitive mourning month of Muharram, and two days after the controversial killing of TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud.

Fireworks explode over Chennai

In a sign of the times, Indian Hindus have also been urged from several corners to consider an eco-friendly Diwali this year, eschewing the standard fire-crackers that contribute to smog and road litter in India.

UrbanDuniya wishes all of its readers and their families and friends a very happy, healthy and safe Diwali!