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6 things you should know about Diwali

By Emanuella Grinberg, CNN

Updated 1:34 PM ET, Tue September 26, 2017

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Nepali devotees worship a cow as part of the Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Wednesday, November 11. Diwali, or Tihar, also known as the festival of lights, is celebrated by millions around the world.
Photos: Diwali 2015: The festival of lights
Nepali devotees worship a cow as part of the Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Wednesday, November 11. Diwali, or Tihar, also known as the festival of lights, is celebrated by millions around the world.
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A Hindu woman lights candles during Diwali celebrations at a temple in Lahore, Pakistan, on November 11.
Photos: Diwali 2015: The festival of lights
A Hindu woman lights candles during Diwali celebrations at a temple in Lahore, Pakistan, on November 11.
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Children play with firecrackers during festivities in New Delhi on November 11.
Photos: Diwali 2015: The festival of lights
Children play with firecrackers during festivities in New Delhi on November 11.
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Devotees gather outside of a temple to take part in a religious procession in Chitrakoot, India, on November 11.
Photos: Diwali 2015: The festival of lights
Devotees gather outside of a temple to take part in a religious procession in Chitrakoot, India, on November 11.
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Homes are illuminated in Mumbai, India, on November 11. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
Photos: Diwali 2015: The festival of lights
Homes are illuminated in Mumbai, India, on November 11. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
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A trader performs rituals as he worships his account book November 11 in Ahmedabad, India. The swastika is a sacred symbol in Hinduism.
Photos: Diwali 2015: The festival of lights
A trader performs rituals as he worships his account book November 11 in Ahmedabad, India. The swastika is a sacred symbol in Hinduism.
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A sky lantern is released in Mumbai on November 11.
Photos: Diwali 2015: The festival of lights
A sky lantern is released in Mumbai on November 11.
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Hindu widows in Vrindavan, India, burn firecrackers on the eve of Diwali on Tuesday, November 10.
Photos: Diwali 2015: The festival of lights
Hindu widows in Vrindavan, India, burn firecrackers on the eve of Diwali on Tuesday, November 10.
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Men and women light candles at a temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on November 10.
Photos: Diwali 2015: The festival of lights
Men and women light candles at a temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on November 10.
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Packets of firecrackers are arranged at a shop in Jammu, India, on November 10.
Photos: Diwali 2015: The festival of lights
Packets of firecrackers are arranged at a shop in Jammu, India, on November 10.
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Women shop at a roadside stall in Mumbai on November 10.
Photos: Diwali 2015: The festival of lights
Women shop at a roadside stall in Mumbai on November 10.
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Lanterns are on display in Mumbai on November 10.
Photos: Diwali 2015: The festival of lights
Lanterns are on display in Mumbai on November 10.
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The city of Indore, India, is soaked in light and celebration ahead of Diwali on November 10.
Photos: Diwali 2015: The festival of lights
The city of Indore, India, is soaked in light and celebration ahead of Diwali on November 10.
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