Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Hinduism. It is a five-day festival that falls in the Hindu month of Kartik, usually in October or November. The festival is celebrated to honor the victory of good over evil, and to mark the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
The preparations for Diwali begin weeks in advance. Homes are cleaned and decorated with colorful rangolis, or floor designs made of colored powder or flowers. People also decorate their homes with diyas, small clay lamps that are lit to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. The lighting of diyas is also believed to help guide the spirits of deceased ancestors back to the afterlife.
The main day of Diwali is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. People dress in new clothes, exchange sweets and gifts, and visit temples to offer prayers to the gods. The evening is marked by the lighting of diyas and fireworks displays. The lighting of diyas is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over darkness. The fireworks are also believed to chase away evil spirits and bring in good luck.
Diwali is also a time for family and friends to come together. Many people visit their relatives and friends to exchange greetings and gifts. The traditional sweets and savory dishes are prepared and shared among loved ones. The festival is also celebrated in the workplace, where people exchange sweets and gifts with their colleagues.
