Diwali/Dipavali/Deepavali

Diwali Lights

Diwali or Deepavali is Hindu festival. It is also called as the festival of lights and the festival is celebrated every autumn in the northern hemisphere. Diwali symbolises the spiritual 'victory of lights over darkness' good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. 

During the celebration, homes, shops, temples and offices are brightly illuminated. Rituals for the festival last five days with the climax occurring on the third day coinciding with the darkest night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. The festival usually falls between mid October and mid November. 

Diwali lamps

Celebrations prepare by cleaning, renovating and decorating homes, offices and shops. On the day of Diwali revelers adorn themselves in their finest clothes, illuminate the interior and exterior of their houses with diyas(lamps), offer puja(prayers) to Lakshmi(goddess of prosperity), light fireworks, partake in family feasts and share gifts.