On October 19, the brilliant glow of tiny lamps and the explosive sounds of firecrackers ushered in India's festival of lights. 

Celebrated in October or November each year according to the lunar calendar, the Hindu festival of light known as Diwali coincides with the harvest season.

Indians around the world joined in the celebration as they brightened their homes with lamps, shared sweets with their families and friends, and set off fireworks. 

Much like Christmas season drives up sales in stores, India's Diwali is a blessing for shopkeepers. Shops have been packed with customers buying new clothes, gifts for friends and co-workers, and brightly lit decorations for their homes. Diwali is also considered an auspicious time to buy gold jewelry and the price of this yellow metal fluctuates a lot during the festival season. 

The Story of Diwali

The festival of Diwali gets its name from the word Deepavali or "row of lamps" that people light up outside their homes. The light is symbolic of the victory of good over evil, which Diwali represents.

India is a land of mythology, and one such epic is Ramayana -- the story of Rama, a young prince, banished from his kingdom and sent to live in the forests. He is faced with many trials and finally slays the demon who had abducted his wife. When the prince returned, the people of his kingdom rejoiced and celebrated his victory.

For many Hindus, the festival is also an opportunity to honor the goddess of wealth and bounty. The day begins with people wearing new clothes and visiting temples - Hindu places of worship. And as the sun sets, the skies are aglow with fireworks. 

To learn more about Diwali, check out the video below.