Today, October 29, is being observed countrywide as Dhanteras, officially the first day of Diwali festivities. But what is the story behind this auspicious day?
Mangalaman, the NGO, collected the idols, mostly of Ganesh and Lakshmi, from 151 points, and also those discarded at roadsides and near junctions and flyovers, said Ram Kumar Tiwari, its founder.
Diwali in North India marks return of Rama, in South it emphasises offerings to deities. Here's more on its celebrations in Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra etc