The Indian festival of lights known as Diwali occupied much of a Yaletown community centre today.

One of the highlights was a rangoli room, where the ancient Indian art form attracted plenty of onlookers.

For major holidays, coloured rice, maize, flowers, sand, or flours are set out in elaborate patterns on the floors of living rooms, doorways, foyets, and courtyards.

There are references to rangoli in Hindu texts, including in the Ramayana at the goddess Sita's wedding.

Today's event at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre was organized by the Diwali Celebration Society. It's the largest Diwali festival in B.C.

Diwali is celebrated by people of all faiths in India and features fire crackers going off for several nights in a row.

It represents the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.