Updated 04 November 2002, 11.57

Woman at an alter celebrating Diwali

There were rows and rows of colourful rangolis and beautiful shimmering candles (Divas) lit along the streets of Ayodhya, to welcome Lord Rama, their king.

On Diwali people spend quality time with their family and friends. They share sweets, savouries and worship Goddess Lakshmi, who is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

 Click here for special Diwali recipes

After Diwali comes the New Year, which is being celebrated on the 5 November.

On New Year's day my family and I go to the temple to worship our God.

We normally then go to my Grandma's house to get the blessings, and share out our gifts with my cousins."

Riya, 10, London

 Click here to find out how to do it