An important and most auspicious festival of Indian society, Diwali is now here. Diwali, a day of lightning lamps, burning crackers and prayers. Different religious communities like Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrate this festival for different reasons but the main motive behind all is same i.e victory of good over evil , light over darkness. In Sanskrit, deepawali means Avali (Row) of Deep (Clay lamps). People light diyas to remove the darkness of lunar night (Amavasya) at the exterior of their homes, shops, temples etc.

The festival lasts five days as Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Diwali, Govers tha actdhan and Bhai dooj. The third day is the actual day when Goddess Lakshami is worshiped and this year it falls on 07.11.18. Celebrants clean, renovate and decorate their homes, offices and temples. They adorn themselves in their best outfit for the occasion and light the diyas and candles outside and inside of their homes and workplace. They pray to goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for wealth and prosperity and after that share burn crackers and share gifts with their loved ones.

India is a country of diversity. Various religions of Indian subcontinent celebrate Diwali for different reasons. Hindus believe that when Lord Ram defeated Ravana and returned to Ayodhaya after 14 years of exile, people welcomed them with lightning diyas and hence diwali is celebrated. Another believe of hindus is related to deity Lakshmi who is giver of wealth and prosperity. They worship lakshmi and lord Ganesha as he is the remover of all obstacles. In Jainism, it marks the nirvana or spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira on October 15, 527 B.C. In Sikhism it marks the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru was freed from imprisonment.

The following day is celebrated as new year when people visited each other houses and wished them for the season. The fifth day is celebrated as Bhai Dooj when sisters do tilak to their brothers and pray for their long life.
The five day festival is an annual homecoming and bonding period not only for families, but also for communities and associations.