Preparing for the Festival of Lights

Published November 3, 2010
An Indian potter makes earthenware oil pots or 'diyas' at his workshop in New Delhi  prior to the Diwali Festival. Diyas, which are lit and placed around the home, are in heavy demand during the festival.
An Indian potter makes earthenware oil pots or 'diyas' at his workshop in New Delhi prior to the Diwali Festival. Diyas, which are lit and placed around the home, are in heavy demand during the festival.
Cooks make traditional sweets ahead of the festival, in Jammu. Thousands of tons of sugary treats known as ?mithai? are prepared every year on Diwali.
Cooks make traditional sweets ahead of the festival, in Jammu. Thousands of tons of sugary treats known as ?mithai? are prepared every year on Diwali.
A child plays with sparklers during a pre-Diwali celebration at a school in Amritsar.
A child plays with sparklers during a pre-Diwali celebration at a school in Amritsar.
A school boy makes a sketch of President Barack Obama as another holds his family photograph at the Holy Name school in Mumbai. Students of this school are gearing up to celebrate Diwali festival with President Obama during his visit later this week.
A school boy makes a sketch of President Barack Obama as another holds his family photograph at the Holy Name school in Mumbai. Students of this school are gearing up to celebrate Diwali festival with President Obama during his visit later this week.
A woman, Gurdeep Kaur 80 years old, strings marigold flowers together to make garlands for the upcoming festival of lights, in Armitsar. Flowers and decorative items are in high demand ahead of the festival.
A woman, Gurdeep Kaur 80 years old, strings marigold flowers together to make garlands for the upcoming festival of lights, in Armitsar. Flowers and decorative items are in high demand ahead of the festival.
A wayside vendor selling earthen lamps and decorative material waits for customers in Allahabad.
A wayside vendor selling earthen lamps and decorative material waits for customers in Allahabad.
An Indian woman selects gold rings on the eve of Dhanteras, in Allahabad.
An Indian woman selects gold rings on the eve of Dhanteras, in Allahabad.

Indians throughout the country are preparing to celebrate Diwali festival of lights that marks the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali falls on Friday, Nov 5.–AP & AFP Photos

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