Every year around October and November, families, friends and communities across the UK come together to celebrate Diwali - the five-day "Festival of Lights". Originating in India and celebrated across the world by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, it is a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
The joyous occasion sees the use of lights, oil lamps, candles and decorative clothes, as well as fireworks lighting up the skies across the UK, and families come together to enjoy large feasts and exchange gifts. Although the date changes every year, this year it takes place on October 24, but celebrations have already begun and are expected to last the whole week.
Those celebrating in Manchester will decorate their homes, pray, give gifts, feast and eat sweets - and there's a number of Diwali events taking place across the city and further afield. See our list below on how you can celebrate Diwali in Greater Manchester.
