Spectacular photos show millions of people celebrating Diwali ...

Diwali, the festival of lights, is marked by Hindus and other faiths and celebrates the symbolism of light's triumph over evil with many sharing gifts with their friends and family

Millions of people across the globe are celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, which is one of the most important festivals for many Hindus and those of Indian descent.

The festival will be celebrated by many today, although some parts of India will mark the occasion on Friday. Diwali typically falls between October and November but dates can vary as celebrants follow a lunar calendar.

On Diwali people light candles and lamps to symbolise light's triumph over darkness - which in turn is an apparent demonstration of good emerging over evil or knowledge over ignorance. While most celebrants are Hindus, Jains and Sikhs also mark the festival.

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Ahead of the celebrations, many people buy sweets and gifts with family, friends and neighbours. People will also worship the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. As part of tradition, people will leave lit lamps and open their doors and windows in hopes that Lakshmi will enter their homes.

The celebration is also know for rangoli decorations on the floor as well as fireworks. A popular dish to eat on Diwali is Lapsi Halway, which is made from cracked wheat, cooked with ghee and then coated with cardamom and sugar. The festival lasts up to five days and coincides with the new moon called Amavasya.

This year Diwali overlaps with Halloween celebrations in several Western countries. Many people of Indian descent in the UK have arranged events where families can celebrate in venues across the country.

Check out the photos below to see how Diwali has been celebrated around the world