Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival celebrated over five days. The name comes from the Sanskrit word for "row of lights," and its central theme is the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
The celebration is a reaffirmation of hope and a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a religiously sanctioned celebration of the simple.
The entire festival is a five-day event, with each day having its own significance and rituals.
- Day 1: Dhanteras
- Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi
- Day 3: Main Diwali / Lakshmi Puja
- Day 4: Govardhan Puja
- Day 5: Bhai Dooj
Communities: Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain
Common Practices:
- Fireworks
- Lighting oil lamps (lamps are lit to help the goddess Lakshmi find her way into people's homes)
- Feasting on sweets and savory snacks
- Prayer