Diwali is a major Hindu festival celebrated in autumn known as the "festival of lights" involving the lighting of lamps and fireworks. Hindus dress in new clothes, light lamps and candles inside and outside homes, participate in puja honoring Lakshmi, and then enjoy fireworks, sweets, gifts and meals with family and friends. The festivities typically last five days and include Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdasi leading up to the main Diwali night which coincides with the new moon of the month Kartik. Jains and Sikhs also celebrate related festivals on this night.

1. Diwali

2. Deepavali also known as , Deepavali
and the "festival of lights“.

3. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a
five day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides
with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar
month Kartik.

4. Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up
diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home,
participate in family puja typically to Lakshmi

5. After puja (prayers), fireworks follow, then a family feast
including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between
family members and close friends.

6. In many parts of India, the festivities start with
Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdasi on second
day, Diwali on the third day,
•

7. On the same night that Hindus celebrate Diwali, Jains
celebrate a festival of lights to mark the attainment of
moksha by Mahavira, and Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor
Divas

8. Thanks
Latha