Indians celebrate Diwali with record-breaking display of lamps

People light lamps on the banks of the river Saryu in Ayodhya (Rajesh Kumar Singh/AP)

Indians have celebrated Diwali as earthen oil lamps and dazzling lights lit up homes and streets across the country to mark the Hindu festival that symbolises the victory of light over darkness.

Diwali, which is a national holiday across India, is typically celebrated by socialising and exchanging gifts with family and friends.