Diwali is the most important festival in India that is celebrated with great grandeur. It is also known as the “Festival of Lights” that comes in the month of Kartik. However, the date of this festival keeps changing every year as per the Hindu calendar. This year it will be celebrated on 4^th November.

The festivities last for five days that includes Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Badi Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. People eagerly wait for it throughout the year.

Within the Hindu culture, Diwali has a special significance as it brings light and happiness in the life. This day is also associated with wealth, prosperity, and happiness.

Maa Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped during this festival. Days before Diwali, the people start cleaning their homes and offices and decorate them with beautiful lights, candles, and lamps.

There are many stories that are associated with the Diwali festival and amongst them Shri Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana is the popular one. This day marks the homecoming of Shri Rama after completing fourteen long years of exile.

The people of Ayodhya welcomed them by lighting up earthen lamps to illuminate the surroundings. This is how they celebrated their arrival.

How people today celebrates Diwali?

• Now, people plan a get together with their family, relatives, and friends to spend some quality time together.
• Every festival celebration is incomplete without food and sweets. They prepare a delicious feast to enjoy with their loved ones.
• They lit up diyas around their houses and streets to celebrate this festival. Some people also release lanterns to mark their joy.
• People dress up in ethnic and gifts are exchanged between family and friends to celebrate this festival.

Diwali is symbolic of victory of good over evil. Every year when this festival comes, people are high in spirit, and celebrate it with full enthusiasm.