Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a major Hindu festival celebrated with grandeur, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the return of King Rama to Ayodhya, marked by festivities including lighting lamps and fireworks. The festival spans five days, each with unique traditions such as gifting, cleaning homes, and worshipping the goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. The festival's dates vary annually as it is based on the lunar calendar.

1. Diwali – Festival of Lights

2. “Deepavali” or Diwali is the Indian Festival
of lights.
‘Deepa’ means lamp or light and ‘Vali’
means ‘string of’.

3. It is one of the biggest Hindu festivals
celebrated with pomp and splendour all over
India and in many other parts of the world

4. The Hindu calendar is based on the lunar cycle
and the movement of the moon, unlike the
conventional Western (or Gregorian) calendar.
The result is that Hindu festivals move about
the Western calendar from year to year.
Diwali, for example falls on the date of the
new moon between the Hindu months of
Asvina and Kartika, usually this is in October
or November.

5. What is the story of King Rama?
 After fourteen years of exile in the forest, the King of
Ayodhya, Rama, and his brother Laksman, returned to their
hometown.
 Before that, they defeated Demon King Ravana in a fierce
war.
 Upon Rama's return to Ayodhya the people of the town lit
lamps to welcome the King back and to celebrate the
victory over Ravana.
 Overjoyed at the return of King Rama, the people danced
and celebrated and fired fireworks to show how happy they
were. These festivities continue every year at Diwali and
are still celebrated today.

6. Celebrations
Homes are thoroughly cleaned.
Windows are opened and diyas are lit.
As a greeting to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth.
Candles are often substituted for diyas.
 During Diwali, gifts are exchanged and
festive meals are prepared.

7. Five Days Of Festivities
The first day is called Dhan Theras. People
buy jewellery and worship it to God.

8. Narka Chaturdashi
 The second day is called Narka Chaturdashi.
It marks the death of the tyrant king
“Narakusara” who imprisoned many sons and
daughters of the Gods.

9. Lakshmi Puja
 The third day is called Lakshmi Puja. We
worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of
good luck, wealth and fortune

10. Padwa
 The fourth day is called Padwa. It is looked
as the most auspicious time to start any
venture.

11. Bhai Dooj
 The fifth day is called Bhai Dooj. Sister puts
a sacred mark on her brother’s forehead and
prays for his ling life and prosperity.