Nation lights up on Diwali eve

The word itself is derived from the Sanskrit word "deepavali," meaning "series of lighted lamps," hence, it is also known as the festival of lights. (Photo: PTI)

Young Hockey players light candles after track pujan at Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium during Deepawali festival celebration in Allahabad. (Photo: PTI)

A view of Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium decorated with oil lamps with "Swasth Prayag Swachch Prayag Massege" after track pujan during Deepawali festival celebration in Allahabad. (Photo: PTI)

Residents of a housing society light lamps in remembrance of martyrs on the eve of Diwali festival in Gurugram. (Photo: PTI)

Children celebrating Diwali with sparklers in Moradabad. (Photo: PTI)

People release sky lanterns (hot air baloons) to celebrate Diwali in Howrah district of West Bengal. (Photo: PTI)

A spectacular view of the Golden Temple illuminated on the eve of Diwali in Amritsar. (Photo: PTI)

Swaminarayan Akshardham temple illuminated with laser lights as a part of Diwali celebrations in Gandhinagar. (Photo: PTI)

World famous Dakheneswar Kali temple illuminated ahead of Diwali & Goddess Kali puja, in Kolkata. (Photo: PTI)