..Diwali 2011: The Festival of Lights

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Millions are preparing for the Hindu festival


Indian laborer Raman dips earthen lamps into red paint in Amritsar ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali in Amritsar on October 17, 2011. Diwali, celebrated October 26, is the Indian Hindu festival where people light up their homes with clay oil lamps and decorative lanterns. (Narinder Nanu / AFP/Getty Images)

Mariya KarimjeeOctober 25, 2011 13:59

Millions of people in India have begun preparing for Diwali.

The word Diwali is a contraction for "Deepawali" which means rows of lighted lamps. Diwali is known as the festival of lights because houses, shops and public places are decorated with diyas—small eartherware oil lamps.

In northern India and elsewhere, Diwali celebrates Rama's return after 14 years of exile, his defeat of Ravana, and his coronation as king.

In old Delhi's a wholesale market, Sadar Bazar, saw a huge rush of people braving the extremely busy and crowded market. Diwali shopping entails new clothes, jewelery and household items like refrigerators and television.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/india/111025/diwali-2011-the-festival-lights