Diwali: Over one billion people mark victory of light over darkness

Oil lamps illuminate the banks of the river Sarayu in Ayodhya, northern India, as thousands flock to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. Ayodhya is a city revered as the birthplace of Hindu deity Lord Rama, and lighting the lamps is a symbol of the triumph of light over dark and good over evil. Diwali marks Lord Rama's return home to Ayodhya, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, after a 14-year exile in the forest. Celebrated by more than a billion people in India and across the diaspora, it's an opportunity to reunite with loved ones. I haven't been home in four years. I live in Portugal, so Diwali for me this time is being around family, eating a lot of food, things that I've missed in a long time. While rooted in Hindu tradition, the festival resonates across communities and faiths, with differing legends all tied together by the idea of the return of the hero. For the Jain community, Diwali marks the time of the liberation of their spiritual preceptor, the Mahavira. For the Sikhs, it is the time in which one of their gurus, Guru Hargobind Singhji, Freed from prison, Diwali celebrations span five days and will be marked across the world by fireworks, light displays and gift giving among friends and family.