(3 Nov 2013) Millions of Indians were setting off deafening firework displays on Sunday to light up the sky for Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
Hindus across India handed out sweets, exchanged greetings with friends and relatives, and adorned their homes with glowing lanterns and oil lamps as they celebrated the country's most important festival of the year.
Diwali marks the return home of the Hindu god Rama from a 14-year exile after killing the demon Ravana, who had abducted his wife, Sita, according to the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana.
A near-constant stream of fireworks and firecrackers lasting until midnight was expected to leave a dark, smoggy cloud lingering for days - a matter of concern for environmentalists.
Mindful of the pollution and the dangers of the deafening displays, authorities pushed this year to cut down on the number of fireworks, and some schools sent notices home urging parents not to buy any.
The state-run Central Pollution Control Board said it would be monitoring the air quality and noise levels on Sunday night at a dozen locations in New Delhi, India's capital.
India's economic downturn appears to have impacted this year's celebrations.
People typically buy gold during Diwali, including jewellery, coins and small statues of the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesh.
But the government has imposed a steep new tax on gold imports, making the already high prices far out of reach for many Indians.
Diwali also is celebrated by Hindus in other parts of the world, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal and Malaysia.
In Karachi, Pakistan, the Hindu community illuminated their homes with chiragh (lamps), offered special prayers and enjoyed the event by setting off fireworks and distributing of sweets.
One Hindu Karachi resident took the opportunity to "deliver and share happiness with others".
"The world is full of sorrow and difficulties, this small event gives us the opportunity to be happy and share happiness with others. Observe all festivals in a happy manner irrespective of religion," she said.
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