Diwali, Deewali or Deepavali is an Indian tradition held on the 15th day of the hindu month known as Kartika. Diwali celebrates the rid of evil or darkness. Based on the story of  Rama-chandra, the seventh avatar (incarnation of the god Vishnu), it’s believed that on this day Rama returned to his people after 14 years of exile. During this time, Rama fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Ravana. People lit their houses to celebrate his victory over evil (light over darkness).

The goddess of happiness and good fortune, Lakshmi, also figures into the celebration. It is believed that she roams the Earth on this day and enters the house that is pure, clean, and bright. Diwali celebrations may vary in different communities but its significance and spiritual meaning is generally “the awareness of the inner light”.

Diwali is illustrated through the lighting of “rows of diyas (clay lamps)”. Hence, Deepavali translates to “a row or cluster of lights”

Diwali is celebrated on a large scale through:

• Food stalls with assorted Diwali sweets, savories and herbs.
• Dancing and musical performances.
• Stalls offering henna paintings.
• People burning the effigy of the demon king Ravana.

Check out our little Diwali celebration at home..