Earthen diyas dotted houses and fireworks illuminated the evening sky as people celebrated Diwali decorating their homes with colourful rangolis and twinkling electric bulbs and also exchanging sweets. There was bonhomie between Indian and Pakistani guards at border posts as they exchanged sweets and gifts in the morning.

It was fun and frolic for children and youth as they
burst crackers and lit fireworks while families visited their neighbours, exchanged 'Happy Diwali' greetings and sweets.

Youngsters also took the route of SMS and social networking websites to wish each other. Diwali is celebrated to mark
the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya from his exile after vanquishing demon-king Ravana.In the national capital, people decorated their homes and shops with colourful 'rangolis', flowers and lightings and lit earthen lamps.

In nearby Amritsar, thousands of people paid obeisance in the Golden Temple, which was illuminated by fancy lights.

People also celebrated Diwali in other parts of the country with traditional fervour and gaiety. Devouts thronged temples and offered prayers.

In Tamil Nadu, newly weds were seen enjoying the moments with their friends and relatives wishing them 'Thalai

Deepavali' Bollywood turned to Twitter to greet the people and also to ask fans to go slow on sweets and and crackers.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh greeted the people on the occasion of Diwali saying the festival of lights strengthens the country's resolve to follow true ethical values.