• A group of colourful dancers from the Kumari Shiksha Dance Institution light colourful clay lamps in preparation to celebrate Diwali during the two day Diwali (Festival of Lights) Hindu festival celebrations at the old Drive-Inn in Durban, on October 19, 2019. The two-day festival attracts over 100,000 visitors. A billion Hindus worldwide will officially celebrate Diwali on October 27, 2019. AFP
    A group of colourful dancers from the Kumari Shiksha Dance Institution light colourful clay lamps in preparation to celebrate Diwali during the two day Diwali (Festival of Lights) Hindu festival celebrations at the old Drive-Inn in Durban, on October 19, 2019. The two-day festival attracts over 100,000 visitors. A billion Hindus worldwide will officially celebrate Diwali on October 27, 2019. AFP
  • An artist works on the face of a semi-finished clay idol of the Hindu goddess Kali in Siliguri on October 18, 2019. The worship of Hindu deity Kali takes place on October 27 in the eastern Indian states along with 'Diwali', the Festival of Lights, marking the victory of good over evil and commemorating the time when the Hindu god Lord Rama achieved victory over Ravana. AFP
    An artist works on the face of a semi-finished clay idol of the Hindu goddess Kali in Siliguri on October 18, 2019. The worship of Hindu deity Kali takes place on October 27 in the eastern Indian states along with 'Diwali', the Festival of Lights, marking the victory of good over evil and commemorating the time when the Hindu god Lord Rama achieved victory over Ravana. AFP
  • A woman picks globe amaranth flowers, used to make garlands and offer prayers, before selling them to the market for the Tihar festival, also called Diwali, in Bhaktapur, Nepal October 21, 2019. Reuters
    A woman picks globe amaranth flowers, used to make garlands and offer prayers, before selling them to the market for the Tihar festival, also called Diwali, in Bhaktapur, Nepal October 21, 2019. Reuters
  • People light oil lamps during the Deep Utsav, or Light Festival, at the historical Gauhar Mahal palace, as part of the Diwali festival celebrations in Bhopal, India on October 18, 2019. The Diwali festival of lights symbolizes the victory of good over evil, commemorating Lord Ram's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing a 14-year exile. EPA
    People light oil lamps during the Deep Utsav, or Light Festival, at the historical Gauhar Mahal palace, as part of the Diwali festival celebrations in Bhopal, India on October 18, 2019. The Diwali festival of lights symbolizes the victory of good over evil, commemorating Lord Ram's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing a 14-year exile. EPA
  • In this photograph taken on October 4, 2019, a boy colours a decorative item made of clay outside his residence at Kumhar Gram (Potter's Village) in New Delhi. The narrow lanes of Kumhar Gram are buzzing with activity ahead of Diwali as generations of potters race to create clay decorations for customers across the country - and beyond. Known as the "Potter's Village", the settlement is home to around 500 families from India's traditional pottery community, who moved to the area half a century ago. Photo: AFP
    In this photograph taken on October 4, 2019, a boy colours a decorative item made of clay outside his residence at Kumhar Gram (Potter's Village) in New Delhi. The narrow lanes of Kumhar Gram are buzzing with activity ahead of Diwali as generations of potters race to create clay decorations for customers across the country - and beyond. Known as the "Potter's Village", the settlement is home to around 500 families from India's traditional pottery community, who moved to the area half a century ago. Photo: AFP
  • Visually impaired workers make candles in a workshop of the Blind School Relief Association in New Delhi on October 16, 2019. The association sells candles, oil lamps and paper products made by visually impaired trainees and workers ahead of Hindu festival 'Diwali,' or the festival of light. AFP / Sajjad Hussain
    Visually impaired workers make candles in a workshop of the Blind School Relief Association in New Delhi on October 16, 2019. The association sells candles, oil lamps and paper products made by visually impaired trainees and workers ahead of Hindu festival 'Diwali,' or the festival of light. AFP / Sajjad Hussain
  • A woman paints idols of Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, and goddess of wealth Laxmi, which will be worshipped during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, at a workshop in Kolkata, India October 18, 2019. Reuters
    A woman paints idols of Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, and goddess of wealth Laxmi, which will be worshipped during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, at a workshop in Kolkata, India October 18, 2019. Reuters
  • On October 15, 2019, an Indian worker mixes gun powder to make firecrackers for the upcoming Hindu festival Diwali at a factory on the outskirts of Ahmadabad, India. Fire crackers are in huge demand in India during Diwali, the festival of lights. AFP
    On October 15, 2019, an Indian worker mixes gun powder to make firecrackers for the upcoming Hindu festival Diwali at a factory on the outskirts of Ahmadabad, India. Fire crackers are in huge demand in India during Diwali, the festival of lights. AFP
  • Workers dry out coloured polyster/silk yarn from which garlands are made ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali in Ahmedabad on October 17, 2019. Colourful garlands are in demand during the Hindu festival of Diwali, or Festival of Lights, which falls on October 27 this year. AFP
    Workers dry out coloured polyster/silk yarn from which garlands are made ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali in Ahmedabad on October 17, 2019. Colourful garlands are in demand during the Hindu festival of Diwali, or Festival of Lights, which falls on October 27 this year. AFP
  • A worker arranges garlands made from coloured polyster/silk yarn ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali in Ahmedabad on October 17, 2019. Colourful garlands are in demand during the Hindu festival of Diwali, or Festival of Lights, which falls on October 27 this year. Photo: AFP
    A worker arranges garlands made from coloured polyster/silk yarn ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali in Ahmedabad on October 17, 2019. Colourful garlands are in demand during the Hindu festival of Diwali, or Festival of Lights, which falls on October 27 this year. Photo: AFP
  • A worker makes garlands from coloured polyster/silk yarn ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali in Ahmedabad on October 17, 2019. Colourful garlands are in demand during the Hindu festival of Diwali, or Festival of Lights, which falls on October 27 this year. AFP
    A worker makes garlands from coloured polyster/silk yarn ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali in Ahmedabad on October 17, 2019. Colourful garlands are in demand during the Hindu festival of Diwali, or Festival of Lights, which falls on October 27 this year. AFP
  • A worker dries out coloured polyster/silk yarn from which garlands are made ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali in Ahmedabad on October 17, 2019. Colourful garlands are in demand during the Hindu festival of Diwali, or Festival of Lights, which falls on October 27 this year. AFP
    A worker dries out coloured polyster/silk yarn from which garlands are made ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali in Ahmedabad on October 17, 2019. Colourful garlands are in demand during the Hindu festival of Diwali, or Festival of Lights, which falls on October 27 this year. AFP
  • A worker walks near semi-finished clay idols of the Hindu goddess Kali in Siliguri on October 18, 2019. The worship of Hindu deity Kali takes place on October 27 in the eastern Indian states along with 'Diwali', the Festival of Lights, marking the victory of good over evil and commemorating the time when the Hindu god Lord Rama achieved victory over Ravana. AFP
    A worker walks near semi-finished clay idols of the Hindu goddess Kali in Siliguri on October 18, 2019. The worship of Hindu deity Kali takes place on October 27 in the eastern Indian states along with 'Diwali', the Festival of Lights, marking the victory of good over evil and commemorating the time when the Hindu god Lord Rama achieved victory over Ravana. AFP
  • A semi-finished clay idol of the Hindu goddess Kali is kept in sunlight to dry in Siliguri on October 18, 2019. The worship of Hindu deity Kali takes place on October 27 in the eastern Indian states along with 'Diwali', the Festival of Lights, marking the victory of good over evil and commemorating the time when the Hindu god Lord Rama achieved victory over Ravana. AFP
    A semi-finished clay idol of the Hindu goddess Kali is kept in sunlight to dry in Siliguri on October 18, 2019. The worship of Hindu deity Kali takes place on October 27 in the eastern Indian states along with 'Diwali', the Festival of Lights, marking the victory of good over evil and commemorating the time when the Hindu god Lord Rama achieved victory over Ravana. AFP
  • Women buy artificial jewellery and decorative items at a market ahead of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Ahmedabad, India, October 18, 2019. Reuters
    Women buy artificial jewellery and decorative items at a market ahead of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Ahmedabad, India, October 18, 2019. Reuters
  • epa07930511 An Indian clay artist works on an unfinished idol of the Goddess Kali ahead of the Diwali festival at Kumartuly district in Kolkata, eastern India,18 October 2019. Kali, the Goddess of Power, is worshiped during the Hindu festival. EPA
    epa07930511 An Indian clay artist works on an unfinished idol of the Goddess Kali ahead of the Diwali festival at Kumartuly district in Kolkata, eastern India,18 October 2019. Kali, the Goddess of Power, is worshiped during the Hindu festival. EPA
  • An Indian clay artist works on an unfinished face of Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali idols ahead of the Diwali festival at Kumartuly district in Kolkata, eastern India,18 October 2019. Kali, the Goddess of Power, is worshiped during the Hindu festival. EPA
    An Indian clay artist works on an unfinished face of Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali idols ahead of the Diwali festival at Kumartuly district in Kolkata, eastern India,18 October 2019. Kali, the Goddess of Power, is worshiped during the Hindu festival. EPA
  • In this picture taken on October 18, 2019 boys at Gotirth Vidyapeeth, a school for Hindu and vedic teachings, make cow dung patties in preparation to make them into small oil lamps to be used in the upcoming Hindu festival of Diwali, or Festival of Lights, in Ahmedabad. AFP
    In this picture taken on October 18, 2019 boys at Gotirth Vidyapeeth, a school for Hindu and vedic teachings, make cow dung patties in preparation to make them into small oil lamps to be used in the upcoming Hindu festival of Diwali, or Festival of Lights, in Ahmedabad. AFP
  • In this picture taken on October 18, 2019 girls at Gotirth Vidyapeeth, a school for Hindu and Vedic teachings, make cow dung patties in preparation to making them into small oil lamps to be used in the upcoming Hindu festival of Diwali, or Festival of Lights, in Ahmedabad. AFP
    In this picture taken on October 18, 2019 girls at Gotirth Vidyapeeth, a school for Hindu and Vedic teachings, make cow dung patties in preparation to making them into small oil lamps to be used in the upcoming Hindu festival of Diwali, or Festival of Lights, in Ahmedabad. AFP
  • Vendors arrange decorated earthen lamps on a street ahead of Diwali festival in Gauhati, India, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. People buy earthen lamps to decorate their homes during Diwali, the annual Hindu festival of lights which will be celebrated on Oct 27. AP
    Vendors arrange decorated earthen lamps on a street ahead of Diwali festival in Gauhati, India, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. People buy earthen lamps to decorate their homes during Diwali, the annual Hindu festival of lights which will be celebrated on Oct 27. AP
  • A young Hindu devotee looks on during a street parade as part of the preparations of the two-days celebrations for the Diwali Hindu festival (Festival of Lights) at the old Drive-Inn in Durban, on October 19, 2019. The two-day festival attracts over 100,000 visitors. The festival celebrations include, parading of floats, chariots, singing of devotional songs, dances, games, face painting, food stalls of vegetarian food, clothing, display of toys and jewellery. YAFP
    A young Hindu devotee looks on during a street parade as part of the preparations of the two-days celebrations for the Diwali Hindu festival (Festival of Lights) at the old Drive-Inn in Durban, on October 19, 2019. The two-day festival attracts over 100,000 visitors. The festival celebrations include, parading of floats, chariots, singing of devotional songs, dances, games, face painting, food stalls of vegetarian food, clothing, display of toys and jewellery. YAFP
  • A group of colourful classical dancers from the Kumari Shiksha Dance Institution pose backstage before taking part during the two day Diwali (Festival of Lights) Hindu festival celebrations at the old Drive-Inn in Durban, on October 19, 2019. AFP
    A group of colourful classical dancers from the Kumari Shiksha Dance Institution pose backstage before taking part during the two day Diwali (Festival of Lights) Hindu festival celebrations at the old Drive-Inn in Durban, on October 19, 2019. AFP
  • A devotee lights up a clay lamp at a makeshift Hindu temple dedicated to Hindu God Rama, as part of the preparations of the two-days celebrations for the Diwali Hindu festival (Festival of Lights) at the old Drive-Inn in Durban, on October 19, 2019. AFP
    A devotee lights up a clay lamp at a makeshift Hindu temple dedicated to Hindu God Rama, as part of the preparations of the two-days celebrations for the Diwali Hindu festival (Festival of Lights) at the old Drive-Inn in Durban, on October 19, 2019. AFP
  • A group of youth adorning various Hindu gods and godesses gesture as they stand on a float during a street parade as part of the preparations of the two-days celebrations for the Diwali Hindu festival (Festival of Lights) at the old Drive-Inn in Durban, on October 19, 2019. AFP
    A group of youth adorning various Hindu gods and godesses gesture as they stand on a float during a street parade as part of the preparations of the two-days celebrations for the Diwali Hindu festival (Festival of Lights) at the old Drive-Inn in Durban, on October 19, 2019. AFP
  • A potter makes earthenware oil lamps or "Diyo" used to decorate temples and homes ahead of Tihar festival, also called Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Reuters
    A potter makes earthenware oil lamps or "Diyo" used to decorate temples and homes ahead of Tihar festival, also called Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Reuters
  • A potter makes earthenware oil lamps or "Diyo" used to decorate temples and homes ahead of Tihar festival, also called Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Bhaktapur, Nepal October 20, 2019. Reuters
    A potter makes earthenware oil lamps or "Diyo" used to decorate temples and homes ahead of Tihar festival, also called Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Bhaktapur, Nepal October 20, 2019. Reuters
  • A woman picks globe amaranth flowers, used to make garlands and offer prayers, before selling them to the market for the Tihar festival, also called Diwali, in Bhaktapur, Nepal October 21, 2019. Reuters
    A woman picks globe amaranth flowers, used to make garlands and offer prayers, before selling them to the market for the Tihar festival, also called Diwali, in Bhaktapur, Nepal October 21, 2019. Reuters
  • Women work to make garland from the globe amaranth flowers, before selling them to the market for the Tihar festival, also called Diwali, in Bhaktapur, Nepal October 21, 2019. Reuters
    Women work to make garland from the globe amaranth flowers, before selling them to the market for the Tihar festival, also called Diwali, in Bhaktapur, Nepal October 21, 2019. Reuters
  • Performers dance on the main stage during the 18th Auckland Diwali Festival on October 12, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. The Auckland Diwali Festival is one of Auckland's biggest and most colourful cultural festivals in New Zealand, celebrating traditional and contemporary Indian culture. Photo by Phil Walter / Getty Images
    Performers dance on the main stage during the 18th Auckland Diwali Festival on October 12, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. The Auckland Diwali Festival is one of Auckland's biggest and most colourful cultural festivals in New Zealand, celebrating traditional and contemporary Indian culture. Photo by Phil Walter / Getty Images
  • Opposing politicians: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (R) and National Party leader Simon Bridges pictured on stage during the 18th Auckland Diwali Festival on October 12, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo: Phil Walter / Getty Images
    Opposing politicians: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (R) and National Party leader Simon Bridges pictured on stage during the 18th Auckland Diwali Festival on October 12, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo: Phil Walter / Getty Images
  • Performers dance on the main stage during the 18th Auckland Diwali Festival on October 12, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. The Auckland Diwali Festival is one of Auckland's biggest and most colourful cultural festivals in New Zealand, celebrating traditional and contemporary Indian culture. Photo by Phil Walter / Getty Images
    Performers dance on the main stage during the 18th Auckland Diwali Festival on October 12, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. The Auckland Diwali Festival is one of Auckland's biggest and most colourful cultural festivals in New Zealand, celebrating traditional and contemporary Indian culture. Photo by Phil Walter / Getty Images

Lifestyle

Diwali: 31 striking photos of early celebrations and preparations around the world

Diwali will be celebrated by one billion Hindus globally, and the festivities are already underway

Nyree McFarlane

October 21, 2019

  • English
  • Arabic

From potters crafting clay figures to workers drying out the silk that will go on to create garlands, these colourful images show global preparations for Diwali, known as the Hindu Festival of Lights. The pictures also show how the festival, which officially falls on Sunday, October 27, is celebrated early around the world: from a beautiful event in Durban, South Africa to a day out in Auckland, New Zealand, where Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern dressed in traditional Indian attire.

What is Diwali? 

The Hindu festival is at once a celebration of the autumn harvest and the triumph of good over evil, as outlined in the Ramayana.

According to the Sanskrit epic, penned by the sage Valmiki, Diwali marks the time that the exiled king Rama – a mortal with superhuman powers – returned home to the city of Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, after vanquishing the 10-headed demon Ravana and conquering his kingdom of Lanka. The people of Ayodhya are believed to have lit thousands of earthen lamps to illuminate the city and to guide the royal family home.

In its current iteration, Diwali is celebrated with a puja to welcome the goodness of prosperity Lakshmi (an incarnation of Sita) into the home, which is decorated with diyas (oil lamps) or fairy lights and rangoli designs with coloured powder. Fireworks light up the sky in some parts of the word, and sweetmeats are made (or bought) by most households. It is customary to get new clothes stitched, and visit friends and family to exchange gifts and greetings.

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