Diwali, one of India’s biggest festivals, isn’t just one day of celebration - it’s five

Diwali, India’s most iconic festival isn’t a one day traditional festival of lights, but a series of festivities with Dhanteras marking the beginning and wrapping up with Bhai Dooj, the festival that marks the unconditional love shared between brothers and sisters.

Whether you call it Diwali or Deepavali, at the end of day it’s ‘the festival of lights’. And, like the best stories, it signifies the victory of good over evil, or in this case, of light over darkness.

The unique thing about Diwali is that it’s not only celebrated in India but all over the world and everyone wants their Diwali to be as authentic an experience as possible. Doesn’t matter whether that means doubling up on the sweets, putting up sparkling lights or designing intricate rangolis outside their doors.

So here are the five days of festivities that mark Diwali for all those celebrating it across the world: