Diwali, also known as the "Festival of Lights," is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and marks the return of Lord Rama, an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, after defeating the demon king Ravana.
Diwali is celebrated over a period of five days with various rituals and traditions, including cleaning and decorating homes with lights and colorful rangolis, exchanging gifts and sweets, lighting diyas (oil lamps), and setting off fireworks.
The origins of Diwali can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Ramayana and the Puranas. It is believed to have originated as a harvest festival, but has evolved into a celebration of various religious and cultural significance.
The lighting of diyas, candles, and decorative lights during Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. It also represents the inner light that resides within each individual and the hope for a brighter future.
Diwali is celebrated in different ways across different regions of India. In North India, it is celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. In South India, it is celebrated to honor the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. In the eastern state of West Bengal, Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja, honoring the goddess Kali. In the western state of Gujarat, Diwali is celebrated as the start of the new year and the beginning of the harvest season.