Millions of people across India Friday celebrated the biggest Hindu holiday of the year, Diwali, or the festival of lights, exchanging sweets and bursting firecrackers with traditional fervour. Skies over the Indian capital New Delhi were lit up by fireworks as dusk fell, and houses and commercial buildings were decorated with electric lights, candles and earthenware lamps.
Markets in New Delhi were choked with shoppers as people completed last minute shopping before going off to see the illuminations and offer prayers to the Hindu goddess of wealth, Laskshmi.
Diwali is a special occasion for India's business community, signifying the beginning of the new financial year. Devout Hindus believe the festival also symbolises the victory of good over evil.
In his message to mark the start of the festival, President Abdul Kalam urged people to share Diwali joy with "the less fortunate, the poor, the lonely and the needy".
The holiday celebrates the Hindu god Rama's return to his kingdom with his wife Sita after victory over the demon Ravana. Local lore has it that Rama's subjects lit lamps and candles to welcome him and his wife back home.
In the southern IT city of Bangalore, which boasts 13,130 millionaires, Diwali was ushered in on a subdued note with shops and retail outlets recording below expectation sales.
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