Delhi blasts dim Diwali

The ancient Diwali marks the victory of god Rama over the demon Ravana. Many people also worship the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, during what is a time for family and to pray for prosperity.

Diwali is celebrated by bursting firecrackers and lighting up homes with earthen lamps, candles and party lights. Small lamps are also set afloat on sacred rivers.

In the days leading up to the celebrations, loud bangs and flashes from fireworks fill the nights.

Since Friday evening, the streets of New Delhi have been bustling with people doing last-minute shopping for Diwali on Tuesday and the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Fitr a few days later.