Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Hindus worldwide. Marking the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil, this five-day festival holds immense spiritual, cultural, and social importance. Celebrated on the new moon day (Amavasya) in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November), Diwali is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.

The festival commemorates multiple significant events in Hindu mythology. The most popular legend celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana after defeating the demon king Ravana and completing 14 years of exile. The people of Ayodhya illuminated the entire kingdom with oil lamps (diyas) to welcome their beloved king, giving rise to the tradition of lighting lamps during Diwali.

Diwali is celebrated with great devotion across India, with regional variations in customs and traditions. The festival brings families together, with homes decorated with rangoli, oil lamps, and colorful lights. It is a time of joy, celebration, sharing sweets and gifts, and seeking blessings for prosperity and happiness in the coming year.

Diwali holds deep spiritual significance as it represents the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness). The festival symbolizes the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness and reminds devotees of the importance of good over evil. Lighting lamps during Diwali is believed to invite divine blessings and drive away negative energies from homes and lives.

The festival is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who is worshipped for wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Performing Lakshmi Puja during Pradosh Kaal (evening twilight) on Diwali night is considered highly auspicious and is believed to bring financial prosperity and success. Devotees clean and decorate their homes to welcome the goddess and seek her blessings for the year ahead.

Diwali also marks the beginning of a new financial year for many businesses, especially in Gujarat and parts of North India. It is considered an auspicious time for starting new ventures, making important purchases, and seeking blessings for success in all endeavors. The festival emphasizes the importance of charity, gratitude, and sharing with those in need.

• Cleaning and decorating homes with rangoli (decorative patterns), flowers, and lights to welcome Goddess Lakshmi
• Lighting oil lamps (diyas) and candles throughout the home to symbolize the victory of light over darkness
• Performing Lakshmi Puja during Pradosh Kaal (evening twilight) when Amavasya Tithi is prevailing
• Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi with flowers, incense, lamps, and traditional offerings like fruits, sweets, and coins
• Exchanging gifts, sweets, and greetings with family, friends, and neighbors
• Wearing new clothes and preparing traditional festive meals and sweets
• Bursting firecrackers (though many now opt for eco-friendly celebrations)
• Visiting temples and seeking blessings from elders
• Performing charitable acts and helping those in need
• Playing traditional games and spending quality time with family

Various sacred items are offered to Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali puja:

• Flowers: Marigolds, lotus, and red roses are offered to the goddess as symbols of purity and devotion
• Sweets: Especially ladoos (sweet balls), modaks, and other traditional sweets prepared at home
• Fruits: Bananas, pomegranates, coconuts, and seasonal fruits offered with reverence
• Coins and Currency: New coins and currency notes are placed in the puja thali and kept in cash boxes for prosperity
• Rice grains: Uncooked rice grains are offered as a symbol of abundance and prosperity
• Incense and lamps: Fragrant incense sticks and ghee lamps to create a divine atmosphere and purify the environment