Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world celebrate Diwali. The festival symbolizes new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness.

Festivities usually lasts for five days, and include gathering with family members, sharing tasty food, watching spectacular fireworks and visiting temples.

Streets, houses, shops and public buildings are decorated with small oil lamps made from clay called "diyas," illuminating them with a warm, festive glow.

This part of the festival acknowledges the Hindu god Lord Rama and the legend of his return to his kingdom after fourteen years in exile. Light symbolizes purity, good luck and power.

Hindus in cities and villages across the world also believe that during Diwali the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, will visit their homes if they are illuminated, clean and beautifully decorated.

Lukshmi puja, which involves a prayer ritual, is also a significant part of Hindu religion. It's a time to give thanks and pray for a good harvest.

But as the coronavirus pandemic continues to halt plans for mass gatherings and many countries remain in lockdown, this year's Diwali will be very different for many.

Experts have also warned that gathering in groups to celebrate Diwali could lead coronavirus cases to rise, especially in India's capital where infections are already surging, exacerbated by India entering its annual air pollution season.

According to the platforms Diwali booking trends, Jaipur, Kerala, Goa, Visakhapatnam, and Varanasi top the charts as the most popular leisure destinations among travellers. The data further highlights Jaipur to be the most popular choice among travellers across North India, with an influx of tourists from nearby cities like Delhi NCR and Lucknow.

Across South India, travellers from Chennai and Bangalore are heading out on road trips to Kochi in Kerala, the southwest coast of India. Goa, India’s beach capital, on the other hand, is attracting travellers from across the country. The majority of bookings are from Pune, followed by Bangalore and Hyderabad.