The contest features the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi facing off against the principal opposition, the Indian National Congress.
This election will unfold over a period of six weeks, concluding on June 1, followed by vote counting on June 4. The initial phase of voting on Friday covers 102 out of the total 543 constituencies.
More No Comment
Feel, taste and smell it: New exhibition aims to stimulate your senses
'Thousands evacuated since start of flood season in China'
Driver killed as rains cause flash floods in Spain
Brazil bids farewell to Bossa nova legend Joao Gilberto
International graffiti artists flock to street art festival
Hay and straw, a challenge for sculptors at contest in French Alps
North Korea remembers founding father Kim Il Sung on death anniversary
Tray-carrying festival in Portuguese town keeps up Christian tradition
Tens of thousands of Estonians perform mass folk singing
Couples compete in wife-carrying championships
London, Bupadest celebrate LGBT rights with Pride parades
Tibetans in India celebrated the 84th birthday of the Dalai Lama on Saturday
Sanfermines fiestas kick off with the 'Chupinazo' firework ceremony
Yuncheng Salt Lake turns into vibrant sea of glowing colours
Huge pile-up at mountain bike race makes for 'mother of all crashes'
California native chomps down 71 hot dogs to win annual contest
Around 5,000 sheep to be sheared during world championships in France
Red Bull 'Flugtag' and a 'poo museum': No Comment off the Week
Annual high heels race takes place in Madrid
Heavy rains in Japan force more than 1 million people to evacuate