The skies over Chennai and other Indian metropolises will explode with colour tonight (10th November) and tomorrow, as Diwali descends on the subcontinent.
Diwali fireworks over Chennai
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 tight security.
Happy Diwali, Tim! Here’s wishing you lots of light and prosperity in the next year 🙂
Happy Diwali – right back at you!
beautiful! Nice photos of fire works – can be tricky!
Thanks!! Yes, that took quite a bit of practice 🙂