Diwali

महत्व एवं कथा (Significance)

Diwali, or Deepavali ("a row of lights"), is the most widely celebrated Hindu festival. It commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana, as told in the Ramayana. The people of Ayodhya are said to have lit rows of oil lamps (diyas) to welcome him home — the origin of the festival's central ritual.

Diwali is also closely tied to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. It is believed she visits homes that are clean, well-lit, and welcoming on this night, which is why Lakshmi Puja is performed after sunset and homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated beforehand.

In many regions the five-day festival also marks the start of the new financial year for traders, and includes Dhanteras (buying gold/utensils and welcoming prosperity), Naraka Chaturdashi, the main Diwali night, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj (celebrating the sibling bond).

पूजा विधि व परंपराएँ (Rituals & Customs)

• Cleaning and decorating the home, often with rangoli patterns at the entrance
• Lighting rows of diyas (oil lamps) and candles around the house
• Lakshmi Puja performed in the evening, inviting prosperity into the home
• Bursting firecrackers (where locally permitted) and sharing sweets with family and neighbours
• Wearing new clothes and exchanging gifts