Diwali is also known as Deepavali. It is the festival of lights, one of the most important and significant celebration celebrated by Hindus and Indians all around the world. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the victory of Dharma over Adharma (good over evil). Indians prepare for Diwali by cleaning, decorating their homes, buying new clothes, and exchanging gifts. They clean the house to make a welcoming environment for the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. Also they light by diyas a sign of light over dark. Diyas are oil lamps made from clay or mud with a cotton dipped in oil.

Diwali isn’t just a celebration of dressing up and enjoyment. It has a deeper meaning than that in the religious aspect. In north India the celebration symbolizes the return of Prince Ram to Ayodhya after a victory against the demon king Ravana with his wife, Sita the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and beauty, and his brother Lakshman, they had come from a 14 year-long exile and war. In south India the celebration is symbolized by Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.