Country immersed in preparations to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights

Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year in autumn in the northern hemisphere. (Photo: PTI/ AP)

An Indian woman choosing decorations ahead of Hindu festival Diwali is seen through the glass of a shop at the old quarters New Delhi. (Photo: AP)

A child colours earthen lamps at a workshop ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali in Amritsar. (Photo: PTI)

A blind student packing candles ahead of Diwali Bazaar of the Blind Relief Association in New Delhi. The Association is hosting its annual event "Diwali Bazaar". (Photo: PTI)

A potter makes earthen lamps ahead of Diwali festival in Jammu. (Photo: PTI)

A woman potter makes earthen lamps ahead of Diwali festival, on the outskrits of Jammu. (Photo: PTI)

Artists work on idols of the Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi ahead of Diwali festival in Moradabad. (Photo: PTI)

street is seen heavily crowded as people shop for the Diwali festival at Sadar Bazar in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

An artist works on an idol of the Goddesses Kali ahead of Diwali festival on the outskirts of Agartala. (Photo: PTI)

A woman artiste makes clay statues of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha ahead of Diwali festival, in Allahabad. (Photo: PTI)

An artist works on an idol of the Goddesses Kali ahead of Diwali festival in Kolkata. (Photo: PTI)