Diwali scenes in Bollywood movies are synonymous with vibrant colours, joyous celebrations, and heartwarming family moments. Filmmakers often use the festival of lights as a backdrop to showcase the spirit of togetherness, love, and traditional customs. These scenes commonly feature beautifully decorated homes, intricate rangoli designs, and the illumination of diyas, creating a visually enchanting atmosphere. Diwali sequences in Bollywood films often serve as pivotal moments for characters, signifying the triumph of good over evil or the reunion of estranged families. The portrayal of Diwali in these movies adds a touch of cultural richness, infusing the narrative with the warmth and splendour associated with this auspicious festival. From grand dance sequences to heartfelt exchanges of gifts and sweets, Diwali scenes in Bollywood movies capture the essence of the festival, contributing to the cinematic tapestry of Indian culture. Take a look at the best Diwali scenes from our favourite Bollywood films:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called the “Deepotsav” in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya “amazing, divine and unforgettable” and shared some pictures from the celebrations.

Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the prime minister said that the whole country has been “illuminated” with millions of “diyas” (earthen lamps) that were lit in Ayodhya.

“The energy emanating from this is spreading new zeal and enthusiasm throughout India. I wish that Lord Shri Ram does well for all the countrymen and becomes an inspiration for all my family members. Jai Siya Ram,” PM Modi said in a tweet in Hindi.

अद्भुत, अलौकिक और अविस्मरणीय!

लाखों दीयों से जगमग अयोध्या नगरी के भव्य दीपोत्सव से सारा देश प्रकाशमान हो रहा है। इससे निकली ऊर्जा संपूर्ण भारतवर्ष में नई उमंग और नए उत्साह का संचार कर रही है। मेरी कामना है कि भगवान श्री राम समस्त देशवासियों का कल्याण करें और मेरे सभी… pic.twitter.com/3dehLH45Tp

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2023

Ayodhya on Saturday witnessed grand “Deepotsav” celebrations and was illuminated with lakhs of earthen lamps.

On the eve of Diwali, the temple city, which is located on the bank of the Saryu River, also broke its own world record. About 22.23 lakh diyas were lit at the same time across 51 ghats in Ayodhya to create a new Guinness World Record.

Ayodhya began Deepotsav celebrations with the formation of the Yogi Adityanath-led government in 2017. In that year, about 51,000 diyas were lit and the number went up to 4.10 lakh in 2019.

In 2020, over 6 lakh earthen lamps were lit and more than 9 lakh diyas were illuminated in 2021.

In 2022, more than 17 lakh diyas were lit across the ghats of Ram ki Pairi. However, the Guinness Book of World Records only took those diyas into consideration which remained lit for five minutes or more and the record was set at 15,76,955.

This year’s celebrations are considered special as the construction work of the Ram temple is in full swing in Ayodhya.

The much-awaited inauguration of the Ram Mandir is scheduled to take place on January 22 in 2024 and will be attended by PM Modi.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi visited Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh to celebrate Diwali with soldiers.

“The courage of our security forces is unwavering. Stationed in the toughest terrains, away from their loved ones, their sacrifice and dedication keep us safe and secure. India will always be grateful to these heroes who are the perfect embodiment of bravery and resilience,” he said in an X post and shared some pictures with the soldiers.

The courage of our security forces is unwavering. Stationed in the toughest terrains, away from their loved ones, their sacrifice and dedication keep us safe and secure. India will always be grateful to these heroes who are the perfect embodiment of bravery and resilience. pic.twitter.com/Ve1OuQuZXY

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2023

“The place where jawans are posted is not less than any temple for me. Wherever you are, my festival is there. This is going on for perhaps 30-35 years,” he said in an address to troops.

Ukraine said Sunday a blast triggered by “local resistance movements” in the Moscow-controlled Ukrainian city of Melitopol the previous day killed Russian military officers at a headquarters of the occupation authorities.

Melitopol, with a pre-war population of around 150,000 people, was captured early after Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year and now lies some dozens of miles behind the frontline further north.

“At least three officers of the Russian guard were eliminated” as a result of the “revenge action, carried out by representatives of the local resistance movement,” the intelligence service of Ukraine’s defence ministry said on Telegram.

AFP was not able to independently confirm the claims.

“The attack on the headquarters was carried out during the meeting of the (Russian security service) FSB and (Russian National Guard) Rosgvardia,” the same source added.

Melitopol is in Zaporizhzhia, one of the four regions — along with Donetsk, Lugansk, and Kherson — that Russia claims to have annexed without fully controlling them.

The exiled mayor of Melitopol Ivan Fedorov on Saturday evening said residents reported an “explosion, which was heard in all corners of the city” and police cars speeding through the city.

Several Russian-linked officials have been killed in attacks in territories controlled by Moscow’s forces since the invasion began.