Let there be light: India gears up to celebrate Diwali

Diwali, festival of lights, is celebrated every autumn in northern hemisphere and symbolises spiritual victory of light over darkness. (Photos: AP, PTI)

An idol of goddess Kali is carried to aNorth Kolkata puja pandal ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali festival, in Kolkata. (PTI)

Labourers work at a firecracker factory ahead of Diwali festival in Barpeta, Assam. (PTI)

A shopkeeper arranges firecrackers at his shop ahead of the festival of Diwali, in Jammu. (PTI)

Indians throng a market on the last Sunday ahead of Hindu festival Diwali. (AP)

Indian Hindu women light earthen lamps on a rangoli, a hand decorated pattern on the floor, as part of Diwali festivities in Ahmadabad. (AP)

Widows of Vrindavan celebrate Diwali at Gopinath Temple in Vrindavan. (PTI)

Colorful lanterns are displayed for sale at roadside stalls ahead of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Mumbai. (AP)

Ghats are lit on the banks of River Saryu ahead of Deepotsav (Diwali celebrations) in Ayodhya. (PTI)

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli at an event to celebrate Diwali with underpriviledged children, in Mumbai. (PTI)