The time of year for Diwali is just around the corner with a number of events taking place in Dublin to mark the occasion.
Also known as the festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated by millions of Indians around the world for a variety of reasons.
Here is everything you need to know about celebrating Diwali in Dublin.
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When does Diwali take place?
Diwali events are taking place in Dublin throughout the second half of October, including parties and family friendly events.
In most of India, Diwali consists of a five-day celebration that peaks on the third day. This year, those five days are October 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26, although some Diwali events are taking place outside of those dates.
How is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is also an official holiday in India, Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname and other nations.
Traditionally, Diwali is marked with plenty of light and colour, with people across India and the world illuminating their homes, wearing their finest clothes and lighting plenty of candles and clay lamps to brighten the night sky.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Known predominantly as a Hindu festival, Diwali is celebrated by many religions and many regions in India for varying reasons.
Reasons for people marking Diwali include Goddess Lakshmi's birth, Krishna killing Narakasura and the start of a new year.
Diwali events happening in Dublin
There will be a number of wonderful Diwali celebrations happening across Dublin for the city's Indian community and their friends.
Diwali-Festival of Lights: A Civic Celebration
In conjunction with Dublin City Council, Ireland India Council has organised a Diwali celebration at City Hall on Tuesday, October 18.
Like many Diwali celebrations, the event will mark the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
The evening will feature a gala dinner as well as Irish-Indian music.
VHCCI Diwali-Festival of Lights
Vedic Hindu Cultural Centre Ireland will host a wonderful Diwali celebration on Sunday, October 30 at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.
Starting at 2pm, the day-into-night event will feature fireworks, a cultural programme and Indian food stalls and a DJ.
"Ireland's Biggest Diwali" event
Ireland's Biggest Diwali event will be taking place place on Sunday, October 16 at the Scientology and Community Centre of Dublin in Tallaght.
Organisers are promising to "portray the real Diwali" with the event featuring cultural performances, a fair, stalls selling crafted cultural items, dance, music and fireworks.
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