The Hindu community celebrated the Diwali Festival (the festival of light) with religious fervour, traditional zeal and enthusiasm on Wednesday.

People across the country illuminated their worship places on the eve of Diwali Festival.

Diwali is a colourful festival involving lighting candles, worship, celebrations and prayers.

Twenty-one days after Dussehra comes the most awaited festival among Hindus, “Diwali”, celebrated to mark the day when Lord Rama returned home after his 14-year exile.

It is a five-day Hindu festival and during this time, houses are cleaned and windows are opened to welcome Lakshmi, goddess of wealth.

Candles and lamps are lit in and outside every home as a greeting to Lakshmi.

All celebrations end at daybreak, the people then visit friends, relatives and exchange sweets and gifts.Special ceremonies were held by local Hindu community in connection with the festival.

The local Hindu leaders cut the Diwali cake and distributed gifts and sweets.

The Pandits and devotees held prayers in different temples for integrity, solidarity and security of the country.

Meanwhile, the police had made tight security arrangements in and around the Hindu temples to avert any untoward incident.