Diwali

Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year in autumn in the northern hemisphere (spring in southern hemisphere). It is an official holiday in Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar and others. One of the major festivals of Hinduism, it spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed.

Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate, and decorate their homes and offices.On Diwali night, people dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up the lamps and candles inside and outside their home, participate in family puja (prayers) typically to  Lakshmi – the goddess of fertility and prosperity. After puja, fireworks follow,then a family feast including mithai ,and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Deepavali also marks a major shopping period in nations where it is celebrated.

The name of festive days as well as the rituals of Diwali vary significantly among Hindus, based on the region of India. In many parts of India, the festivities start with Dhanteras (in Northern and Western part of India), followed Naraka Chaturdasi on second day, Deepavali on the third day, Diwali Padvadedicated to wife–husband relationship on the fourth day, and festivities end with Bhaji Dooj dedicated to sister–brother bond on the fifth day.  Dhanteras usually falls eighteen days after Dussehra.