#Diwali celebrations on Twitter

Over the holiday weekend, more than 1.25 billion Indians celebrated #Diwali which marks the triumph of good over evil. They gathered with families and friends and used Twitter to express their #Diwali blessings for peace, prosperity and enlightenment with others in India and around the world.

#Diwali is also celebrated to honour Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, who helps mankind journey from darkness to light; thus #Diwali is also known as the “Festival of Lights.” Here is a data visualisation showing all Tweets mentioning #Diwali in India and around the world – it’s a map of lights for the “Festival of Lights” (click to play):

Along with Tweets pouring in from politicians, entertainers and athletes, people were sharing celebration photos and messages using “Happy Diwali” and #Diwali2014 on Twitter. Many urged for a safe and pollution-free year ahead, to protect the environment and animals, and to help those in need due to natural calamities.

Here are some celebratory #Diwali Tweets wishing “love and light” to everyone in India:

#Diwali is an important cultural moment for every Indian. Thank you from @TwitterIndia for sharing your #Diwali celebrations on Twitter.