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In pictures: Diwali celebrated amid coronavirus pandemic

A woman lights sparklers during Diwali in Allahabad, India. Photo: Sanjay Kanojia/AFP via Getty Images

Many are celebrating a relatively low-key Diwali, the festival of lights, this year as coronavirus cases surge in many parts of the world.

Driving the news: Coronavirus restrictions and social distancing efforts have derailed the plans of many Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists who usually celebrate the festival by attending large gatherings.

The big picture: Many in India held small celebrations in their homes and communities while several temples across the country streamed prayer sessions online, per AP.

  • The Empire State Building in New York City was illuminated with an orange light to celebrate. President Trump extended his "warmest wishes to all those celebrating Diwali" in a statement Saturday. President-elect Joe Biden also sent his best wishes in a tweet.
  • Celebrations were being held in Pakistan, Nepal and several other cities around the world.
A man wearing a mask is seen in front of his marigold flower garlands display during Diwali in New Delhi, India. Photo: Pradeep Gaur/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
A girl lights lamps for Diwali in Assam, India. Photo: Anuwar Hazarika/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Revelers release a handmade sky-lantern from the terrace of a building to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Kolkata. Photo: Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP via Getty Images
Pakistani Hindu women celebrate Diwali at Krishna Mandir in Lahore, Pakistan. Photo: Arif Ali/AFP via Getty Images
A lady decorates her doorstep during Diwali celebrations in Leicester, England. Photo: Jacob King/PA Images via Getty Images
Hindu devotees take part in Diwali rituals in Vejalpur village in India. Photo: Sam Panthaky/AFP via Getty Images
Girls hold sparklers during Diwali in Assam, India. Photo: Anuwar Hazarika/NurPhoto via Getty Images
A family lights sparklers during Diwali in Faridabad, India. Photo: Money Sharma/AFP via Getty Images
A man is seen carrying marigold flower garlands for sale for Diwali in the flower market in New Delhi, India. Photo: Pradeep Gaur/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

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