Diwali

Diwali, popularly known as the ‘festival of lights’, is the most well-known Hindu festivals. The name ‘Diwali’ is a contraction of ‘Deepavali’, which translates into ‘row of lamps’. The festival involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. These lamps are kept on during the night and one's house is cleaned—both done in order to make Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, feel welcome. The festival is celebrated through festive fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship. The festival of Diwali extends over five days, and because of lights, fireworks and sweets involved, it's a great favourite with children.

Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country. In the north, Diwali celebrates Lord Rama's homecoming—his return to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king. In Gujarat, the festival honours Goddess Lakshmi, and in Bengal, it is associated with Goddess Kali. Everywhere, it signifies the renewal of life, and accordingly, it is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival. Also, it heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season.