In photos: India celebrates Diwali, the triumph of light over darkness

Diwali is derived from Sanskrit dīpāvali meaning 'row of lights' and conjugated term is derived from words dīpa, 'lamp' and āvali, 'a row, range.' (Photos: AP, PTI)

An illuminated Akshardham Temple on the occasion of Diwali festival, in Gandhinagar. (PTI)

A view of the Golden Temple illuminated on the eve of Diwali festival in Amritsar. (PTI)

People light earthen lamps on the banks of River Saryu during Deepotsav (grand Diwali celebrations) in Ayodhya. (PTI)

People light earthen lamps on the banks of River Saryu during Deepotsav (grand Diwali celebrations) in Ayodhya. Ayudhya created a Guiness Wolrd record by lighting the most number of diyas and keeping them alight for a minimum of 45 minutes. (PTI)

A slum colony is decorated with lanterns and lights as they celebrate the Hindu festival Diwali in Mumbai. (AP)

People during the Narak Chaturdashi at kashish park in Thane. (PTI)

People fly sky lanterns or Fanush as they celebrate the festival of Diwali in Kolkata. (PTI)

An Indian girl lights fire crackers as she celebrates Diwali, the festival of lights at a playground in Mumbai. (AP)

Residential buildings are decorated with colorful lights, as a firecracker lights up, during Diwali festival on the outskirts of New Delhi. (AP)

A Indian Hindu woman lights fire crackers during Diwali festival on the outskirts of New Delhi. (Photo: AP)