Diwali, or Dipawali, is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians.
- In northern India they celebrate the story of King Rama's return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana by lighting rows of clay lamps.
- Southern India celebrates it as the day that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.
- In western India the festival marks the day that Lord Vishnu, the Preserver (one of the main gods of the Hindu trinity) sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world.
Five Days of Diwali
- On the first day of Diwali, people consider it auspicious to spring clean the home and shop for gold or kitchen utensils.
- On the second day, people decorate their homes with clay lamps and create design patterns called rangoli on the floor using colored powders or sand.
- The third day is the main day of the festival when families gather together for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi followed by mouth-watering feasts and firework festivities.
- The fourth day is the first day of the new year when friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes for the season.
- On the last day of Diwali, brothers visit their married sisters who welcome them with love and a lavish meal.
