Both Hindus and Sikhs celebrate Diwali

It is estimated that one billion Hindus and millions of Sikhs around the world will be celebrating Diwali during the festival.

The legend behind Diwali, or Deepaavali, is that Lord Rama returned to the capital of his kingdom Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years.

He came back in triumph after eliminating the demon Ravana, who had captured his wife Sita.

Barfi and ghoogra

The victory is celebrated by firecrackers and lights to signify the triumph of good over evil.

It is also a time for the community to light candles, dress in their best clothes, invite friends for parties and eat traditional foods, including Indian sweets such as barfi, a milk-based candy, and ghoogra, a pastry made of cereal and sugar.

Families often light clay lamps with wicks, called divas, which they place in their houses and gardens.

The Jains mark the attainment of nirvana by one of their great leaders, Mahaaveera, while the Sikhs celebrate the return of guru Hargovindji to Amritsar after his release from imprisonment by Moghul ruler Jehangir.

Businesses also open new account books at Diwali, as it is the start of the Hindu new year.

Diwali is also a time to pray to the goddess of wealth, Laxmi, for good fortune.

Communities across the UK are marking the festival with celebrations.

• In Birmingham, the Hindu Council of Birmingham have organised a Diwali event with prayers, music, food and dancing in Centenary Square on 25 November from 1400 until 1900 GMT
• In London, Diwali was marked by a ceremony at Trafalgar Square on Wednesday, led by members of the Swaminarayan Temple of north London
• In Hove, East Sussex, celebrations at the Hindu temple are on Thursday until 2030 GMT with bell-ringing, food and other activities.