NEW DELHI — Millions of Indians are celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights and one of the most important events in the Hindu calendar.

The annual festival tends to fall between October and November, but the exact date varies each year as the Hindu calendar is based on the Moon.

This year, Diwali is being celebrated on Thursday, but some parts of the country will observe the festival on Friday.

People light oil lamps and candles on the day to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

A few days before the festival comes Dhanteras — a day when people buy gold, silver or even new metal utensils as it is believed to bring wealth and good luck into the household

In the lead-up to Diwali, people clean and organize their homes. New clothes are bought and sweets and gifts are exchanged with friends, families and neighbors.

Many draw traditional designs like rangoli — made using colorful powders — outside their doors to welcome luck and positivity.

On this day, families worship Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth.

Lamps are lit and windows and doors are left open to help the goddess find her way into people's homes. — BBC