Diwali a Festival of Lights and Sweets.

This is a festival which is celebrated by Hindus in India and worldwide.

Diwali or Deepavali popularly known as the "festival of lights," is a five day festival which starts on Dhanteras and ends on Bhai Dooj.

For Hindus, Diwali is the most important festival of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes.

For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of nirvana by Lord Mahavira.

The name "Diwali" is a contraction of "Deepavali", which means "row of lamps".

During Diwali small clay lamps filled with oil are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil.

Nowadays there are huge Electric Bulb lit Lanterns or Kandils which are hung outside the homes.

These lamps are kept on during the night and one's house is cleaned, both done in order to make the goddess Lakshmi feel welcome. The Goddess Lakshmi signifies wealth and people aspire to become wealthy.

Firecrackers are burst in order to drive away evil spirits.

During Diwali as it is a joyous occasion, people wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends.

Day 1 Dhanteras:

 The festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year.

People buy gold and silver ornaments on this day.

Day 2 Naraka Chaturdasi:

This marks the vanquishing of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna.

Day 3: Amavasya:

On this day people worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

This day tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarfs incarnation, vanquished the Bali, and banished him to Patala.

Day 4: It is on the fourth day of Diwali, Kartika Shudda Padyami that Bali went to patala and took the reins of his new kingdom in there.

Day 5 Bhai Dooj:

 This day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj), where sisters invite their brothers to their homes. This signifies the bonding between brothers & sisters and also strengthens family ties.

While the story behind Diwali and the manner of celebration varies from region to region, the essence is the same – to rejoice the triumph of good over evil.