The Baps Hindu Mandir temple in Abu Dhabi welcomed large crowds on Monday in celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights. Victor Besa / The National
The first day of Diwali at the Baps Hindu Mandir temple in Abu Dhabi and the festive spirit is caught on camera. Victor Besa / The National
A little girl sounds a bell for good luck on the first day of Diwali at the Baps Hindu Mandir temple in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
This year, celebrations began on Saturday October 18 with Dhanteras, while main Diwali fell on Monday, October 20. The festival typically falls at the beginning of autumn and coincides with a new moon bringing light to the darkest night of the Hindu lunar calendar. Victor Besa / The National
Diwali celebrations at the Hindu temple in Jebel Ali, Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
The festival includes days for cleaning the home and replenishing lanterns with oil for five days. Doorways everywhere are made a blaze of colour with flower petals and rice to bring good luck. Antonie Robertson/The National
Diwali celebrations with family, friends and fellow worshippers at the Hindu temple in Jebel Ali, Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
Diwali celebrations at the Hindu temple in Jebel Ali, Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
The day of Diwali, the third of the festival, is for wearing new clothes and sending up fireworks to illuminate night skies, all with a sense of new beginnings. Antonie Robertson/The National
Diwali celebrations at the Hindu Temple in Jebel Ali, Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
Diwali at the Hindu temple in Jebel Ali, Dubai. In India, Diwali is traditionally when people buy the most gold as it is considered an auspicious time. Antonie Robertson/The National
Diwali celebrations at the Hindu temple in Jebel Ali, Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
Diwali celebration in Abu Dhabi and Dubai - in pictures
