What is Diwali Festival?

Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Light, originated in the Indian subcontinent thousands of years ago.

According to the Daily Express, the annual Diwali festival will be celebrated on October 27.

It is a five-day festival with observers as either the Hindu or the Sikh and sometimes Jains as well as Buddhists.

Those who mark the day light displays with a Diya– small clay candle holders made for Diwali every year.

They are lit and placed in groups outside the home or place of work.

People decorate the interior of their homes with Rangoli– a complex art form used during most Hindu festivals.

They use patterns passed down through generations which are believed to bring good luck: the patterns  are created on the floor using rice.

The food includes a list of of savoury items and sweet dishes.

The second day of the festival is dedicated to wealth and sees many people buy sweets for their loved ones.