Diwali
दीवाली
Festival of lights — the biggest festival of India
📖 The Story
Diwali (Deepavali) means "row of lights" and is India's biggest festival. It celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit rows of earthen lamps (diyas) to welcome their beloved king home. Diwali also marks the day Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan, and in Jainism, it marks the nirvana of Mahavira. For businesses, it is the start of the new financial year (Dhan Teras begins five days earlier).
🪔 Puja Vidhi
On the main Diwali night: clean and decorate your home. Light diyas in every corner — especially at the entrance and kitchen. At sunset, perform Lakshmi-Ganesh puja together. Offer kheel (puffed rice), batasha, and sweets. Recite Shri Sukta. Light fireworks. Exchange gifts and sweets with neighbours.
✨ Rituals & Traditions
🌟 Astrological Significance
Victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil. Goddess Lakshmi brings prosperity.