This (photoshopped) satellite picture is an interpretation of just how lit up India is for Diwali. It would be lovely to think this is real. earthsky.org

Hundreds of lights brighten a temple.

A market stall stocked with brightly colored lanterns that will adorn homes and streets.

Colorful rangoli in intricate designs appear on floors and pavements

The Peacock is the national bird of India

For Diwali, women choose Mehndi designs which are full and cover the entire palm.

A stunning example of how to celebrate Diwali at home.

Well someone has to light all those divas.

A simple but stunning Diwali setting

Anything can be made into a candle holder to beautiful effect

Diwali is a festival for every age.

Bangled and hennaed hands hold a diya (or diva)

A potter paints earthen lamps ahead of Diwali

Dramatic fireworks over the Gate of India in the national’s capital.

The Golden Temple is even more golden when illuminated for the festival.

Hindu women decorate the Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden, London.

The Swayambunath Stupa in Khatmandu all lit up ready for the celebrations.

Streets are illuminated with neon signs wishing everyone a Happy Deepvali.

The celebrations are centered on Federation Square and run for a week.

The large shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur are always decorated with elaborate rangoli for the festival.

The biggest event centers on the village of Chaguanas but Diwali is celebrated by Hindus all over the island.

Priests perform the ritual of Ganga Aarti on the ghats on the River Ganges in the spiritual and ancient city of Varanasi.

The joy of Diwali fireworks.

Dancer Vimi Solanki performs on stage as Lord Krishna during Diwali Leicester's Golden Mile in the heart of the city's Asian community.

Widows gather around a tulsi plant and light oil lamps to celebrate Diwali.

Members of a global youth organization, AISEC, celebrate the festival with glowing sky lanterns to promote eco friendly Diwali.

Pakistani Hindu revelers light earthen lamps during Diwali in Karachi

Purushwadi may be a tiny village but every Diwali is celebrated with a huge bonfire, firecrackers, food on the barbecue and singing and dancing.

An inmate of Kot Bhalwal Jail in Jammu packs candles in boxes.

A Colombo flower vendor puts burning incense amid marigold garlands for the good luck at a local market.

The city as seen from the Nahargarh Fort.

Divali is an official public holiday in the Hindu majority country of Mauritius.

Cows decorated for Govatsa Dwadashi symbolizing when Prithu bought prosperity to the land.

Diwali was first celebrated in the White House in 2003 and was given official status by the US Congress in 2007 by former president George W. Bush. In 2009, Barack Obama became the first president to personally attend Diwali at the White House.

We'd love to hear how you celebrate Diwali. Please share your stories.