Diwali essentially is a celebration of victory of good over evil.

In north India it is celebrated as the homecoming of Lord Ram after killing Ravan, the demon king.

In Bengal it is associated with Goddess Kali and in Gujarat it is associated with Goddess Lakshmi.

It is said that when Lord Ram entered Ayodhya, every house was lit with diyas.

Potters start making diyas immediately after Dussehra and as Diwali approaches markets are filled with the oil lamps.

Nowadays potters complain that not many people are buying diyas because candles and bulbs come cheaper and do not need expensive oil to burn.

But nothing can match the splendour of a mud lamp.

Photograph: Biju Boro/AFP/Getty Images, Arun Patil

Also See: The Night of Infinite Light