Photos: Diwali celebrations light up India and its global diaspora

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is being celebrated on November 8 across India and among its global diaspora. More than one billion people of different faiths take part in festivities involving prayers, family gatherings, oil lamps, fireworks, feasts and gift exchanges. Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists also observe the festival, whose traditions share a theme of good overcoming evil and light overcoming darkness.