What is Diwali?
Diwali, or Deepavali, is the festival of lights and the biggest celebration of the Hindu calendar. It marks Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile, when people lit rows of lamps to welcome him home.
Five days of celebration
Diwali spans five days: Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. The main night is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to visit clean, well-lit homes and bless them with prosperity.
Traditions
Families clean and decorate their homes, draw rangoli at the entrance, light diyas and candles, exchange sweets and gifts, wear new clothes and meet relatives. It is also the start of the new financial year for many traders, who open fresh account books.