Rangoli (coloured powder) designs decorate the thresholds of houses. The rangoli is supposed to ward off evil spirits who threaten to enter.

Puntis or oil lamps diwas are placed in the rangoli at the threshold of the house. Here it’s at the threshold of each of the residents’ rooms in the old peoples’ resort.

The lights are supposed to represent the triumph of good over evil; of knowledge over ignorance.

This indoor water feature in our hotel is completely covered with flower petals

Swastik, the holy sign of eastern religions, picked out in marigold petals.

The paisley design originated from Persian and India and is seen here as a mango seed

Lights and fires outside. Even though it’s raining.

We’re here in India at Diwali time. I’m often conflicted at this time of the year because I feel I should be doing more to celebrate and help my children appreciate their Indian roots and yet daily life in the UK gets in the way. I wrote about this conflict a while ago.

This year Diwali has coincided with MissDD’s half term and we have made the most of it to come and visit my mum and combine that with a family holiday in Goa.

India at Diwali time isn’t quite like it was when I was a child. Then, there were non-stop fireworks and firecrackers around every street corner for three whole days. Recent noise nuisance laws have restricted these to the odd crackle here and there, although we did see a group of people letting off some colourful fireworks on the Mumbai seafront on Tuesday evening.

Have a look at this gallery of lights and flower petals and rangoli, to celebrate the triumph of good over evil; to welcome good fortune into the house and to ward off evil spirits.

All in all it’s a great welcome to India.