Is giving better than receiving? For millions of Hindus around the world, donating food, clothes and money during Diwali can bring its own rewards.
Millions celebrate festival of lights
Dazzling Diwali: The cherished tradition of giving presents is meant to spread "light and love and happiness and joy" as part of the festival's wider acts of charity and feasting. Glossary
Hindus - Followers of Hinduism, an Indian religion with more than one billion followers.
Sikhs - Followers of Sikhism, an Indian religion and philosophy.
Jains - Followers of Jainism, an ancient Indian religion whose followers live a life of non-violence and non-attachment to worldly possessions.
Welfare state - A safety net put in place by the government to ensure that no-one falls into poverty.