If you don't celebrate it yourself, you may be unaware of exactly what Diwali - also known as the festival of lights - is.
What is Diwali?
The word Diwali (also spelt Divali) comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali which means 'rows of lighted lamps'.
It is one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, lasting for five days. It generally symbolises the victory of light over darkness.
When is Diwali 2021?
The date changes each year but it usually falls between October and November.
In 2021, it will begin on Thursday November 4.
How is Diwali celebrated?
How and exactly why Diwali is celebrated differs depending on region and tradition.
But typically people decorate their homes and there are lots of big celebrations in towns and cities across the world with light displays, fireworks, dancing and more.
The five days of Diwali
Traditionally, the five days of Diwali are celebrated as follows:
Diwali Day 1: November 2, 2021 Dwadashi - Dhanteras
Cleaning, purchasing gold or metals, ready for the events ahead.
Diwali Day 2: November 3, 2021 Trayodashi - Choti Diwali
Decorating and creating ragnolis, which are intricate designs placed on the floors of homes made out of materials such as rice, sand and flowers.
Diwali Day 3: November 4, 2021 Amavasya - Diwali
The most important day of the festival, clay oil lamps or diyas are lit and rituals worshipping the goddess Lakshmi are performed.
Diwali Day 4: November 5, 2021 Pratipada - Padwa
Celebrations of the love between husband and wife, men will often buy gifts for their wives.
Diwali Day 5: November 6, 2021 Dwitiya - Bhai Duj
Celebrations of the bond of brothers and sisters, sisters perform a special ceremony for their brothers for their protection. Brothers give presents to their sisters.
What do people eat during Diwali?
Like many celebrations, a lot of Diwali is spent eating delicious food with family such as sweet fried bread and Kaju Katli, a fudge-like sweet.
A popular dish to eat during Diwali is Lapsi Halwa, made from cracked wheat, cooked with ghee and sweetened with sugar and cardamom.