Time of the year : October/November-Date Varies Year to Year
Places to visit : All over India
Duration : One-Five Days, Varies Regionally

The festival of lights, Diwali, is an ancient tradition that is celebrated all over India and around the world by many. Though celebrations and legends vary regionally, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness is also a festival of wealth and prosperity.

 CELEBRATIONS

The actual festivities start from Dhanteras, which is celebrated two days before Diwali. Traditionally, an item for the household should be bought during this time. It can be any item for the house, even a purchase as small as a spoon because this day is considered auspicious for wealth and it is traditionally held that purchasing a new item for the house will bring good fortune and luck into the home. Today, this has grown from household purchases to bigger purchases of new clothing and jewelry. 

Homes around the world are lit with cheery earthen ware lamps called diyas to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi and friends and family. Fairs and festivals take hold throughout the country and everywhere, for days and sometimes a week before, fireworks light the night sky. The actual night of Diwali, however, the fireworks shows reach a huge climax.

On Diwali day, people dress in their best clothes and visit friends and family, often bringing small gifts or sweets.

RITUALS

The goddess Lakshmi is worshipped not only in the homes but in shops and offices as well. According to legend, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth travels through all homes on Diwali night and stops to bless the homes that are cheerfully lit and sparkling clean. So as Diwali approaches, all houses go through a vigorous cleaning and earthen ware lamps (diyas) are lit throughout the home.

Traditionally on Diwali night, Ganesh shares the altar with Lakshmi. Ganesh is the god of good beginnings and the remover of obstacles. Cow's milk is thought of food for the gods and therefore offerings are given of sweets made with milk. 

Some families use a powdered, colored chalk or wood shavings to paint a Rangoli, vibrant designs on the threshold of each home.  

LEGENDS

Common to North India, are two stories connected with Diwali. The first being traced back to the Ramayana in which the Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshman, returns to his village of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile in the forest and defeating the demon Ravana, who had stolen Sita. To welcome their true king and celebrate the victory of good over evil, the people of Ayodhya welcomed them with lit lamps and celebrated joyously.

The second story connected with Diwali throughout Northern India and (many other regions) is linked to life and victories of Lord  Krishna. It is told that an evil demon, Narkasura, was terrorizing the world with his malevolent powers. Krishna defeated him in an awesome battle and people welcomed him back and fêted his victory with lit lamps and jubilant celebrations.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The new accounting year begins with Diwali and the tradition is still followed by opening new accounting ledgers on this festive day.

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