Diwali is a festival of lights celebrated by Hindus. The festival usually lasts five days and celebrated during the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika (between Mid-October and mid-November). It symbolises the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” It is associated with Lakashmi, goddess of prosperity, and also a celebration of the day Lord Rama returned to his kingdom Ayodhya with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana after defeating Ravana in Lanka and serving 14 years of exile. In the run up people prepare by cleaning and decorating their homes and workplaces with diyas and rangolis. During the day people wear their finest clothes, illuminate their homes with diyas and rangoli, perform worships, light fireworks and partake in family feasts where mithai (sweets) and gifts are shared.
It is celebrated over 5 days, which are detailed below.
- DAY ONE: People clean their homes and shop for gold or kitchen utensils to help bring good fortune.
- DAY TWO: People decorate their homes with clay lamps and create design patterns called rangoli on the floor using colored powders or sand.
- DAY THREE: On the main day of the festival, families gather together for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi, followed by mouth-watering feasts and firework festivities.
- DAY FOUR: This is the first day of the new year, when friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes for the season.
- DAY FIVE: Brothers visit their married sisters, who welcome them with love and a lavish meal.
Holidays & Special Events 