Homes and  businesses are decorated with marigold flowers...

...which are sold in enormous quantities.

Buildings are festooned with lights.

Children practice traditional arts of extortion by singing and chanting until people relent and give them money.

This seems to work for some adults too. 

On the second day ("Kukur Tihar") dogs (pets, working dogs and strays) are given treats and decorated with colourful tika marks on their foreheads and with garlands of flowers.

Businesses also sell colourful powders...

...which people use to create rangoli patterns outside their homes and businesses, to welcome or invite in Lakshmi the goddess of wealth.

People carry candles and lanterns in processions through the streets, while others play musical instruments.