This week, people across the country will be celebrating one of the world's most colourful festivals, Diwali.
Over the five-day celebratory period, you may notice that London is a little more colourful than usual as the Festival of Light gets underway.
Diwali is celebrated around the world by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains and is an important date in the religious calendar.
The illuminating festival is commemorated through a variety of different traditions, including the lighting of the diyas.
Unfamiliar with Diwali? We’ve gathered together everything that you need to know about it.
When is Diwali?
Diwali falls on a different date each year, depending on the position of the moon.
The celebratory period begins on Monday, November 5 and ends on Friday, November 9.This year, Diwali will fall on Wednesday, November 7.
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Monday: Dhanteras marks the beginning of celebrations
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Tuesday: Choti Diwali is for preparing feasts and sweets
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Wednesday: Diwali is the main day for feasting, visiting temples and spending time with friends and family
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Thursday: Govardhan Puja is a celebration of the bond between husband and wife
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Friday: Bhai Dooj celebrates siblings, which often sees brothers visiting their sisters
What is Diwali?
Diwali is one of the most significant festivals in the Indian culture. Known as the ‘festival of lights’, the date is celebrated every year in the autumn in the northern hemisphere, and spring in the southern hemisphere.
One of the major festivals of Hinduism, it spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
The word ‘Diwali’ means rows of lighted lamps and it is known as the ‘festival of lights’ because houses and shops are decorated with candles and colourful lights during the week.
For many people, Diwali honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fertility. The new business year will start, for many, at Diwali, and some will say prayers to the goddess for a prosperous year ahead.
In Jainism, it marks the spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira. For Sikhs, it marks the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru, was freed from imprisonment.
How is Diwali celebrated?
Lights, lamps, music, food, decorations will all be a major part of this week’s festivities, with thousands attending Diwali lights switch-on events around the country.
Large firework displays are held to honour the legend of Rama, who according to local lore, was greeted with lights and celebrations after returning from exile.
Those celebrating the festival also light traditional earthen candles called diyas and decorate their houses with colourful rangoli artworks - patterns created on the floor using coloured rice or powder.
Families will also share Indian sweets and gifts, as well as giving food, money and goods to those in need.
During Diwali, it is also traditional for families to clean their homes in honour of the new season, as well as wearing new clothes during the five-day celebration.
What Diwali events are there in London?
Trafalgar Square will be all lit up as thousands gather to celebrate Diwali in London.
The colourful event takes place on Sunday 28 October from 1pm-7pm and will feature a variety of music, dance, workshops and foods and crafts for the whole family.
Visit london.gov.uk for more information.
