Diwali, Divali, Deepavali or Dipavali is a four to five day-long (varying as per Hindu Calendar) festival of lights, which is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists every autumn in the northern hemisphere (spring in southern hemisphere).Diwali is called the Festival of Lights and is celebrated to honor Rama-chandra, the seventh avatar (incarnation of the god Vishnu). It is believed that on this day Rama returned to his people after 14 years of exile during which he fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Ravana. People lit their houses to celebrate his victory over evil (light over darkness). The goddess of happiness and good fortune, Lakshmi, also figures into the celebration. It is believed that she roams the Earth on this day and enters the house that is pure, clean, and bright. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolises the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.” Light is a metaphor for knowledge and consciousness

What Do People Do?

Millions of Hindus around the world celebrate Diwali with gift exchanges, fireworks and festive meals. The Diwali celebration in India takes place when the monsoon season ends and the weather is mild and pleasant.
People try to pay off their old debts, make or buy new clothes and thoroughly clean their houses as part of the festival preparations
On the first day of the festival people pray, eat a special breakfast consisting of different foods, and the Hindu goddess Lakshmi’s statue is carried throughout the streets in procession. Children are sometimes given candy or toys from booths set up for the occasion. In southern India children wear flower wreaths on their heads or anklets of bells. Boys in some areas construct elaborate castles and forts of mud and display them for visiting guests. After dark there are fireworks and people who live near rivers float lighted lamps on tiny rafts. To add to the festival of Diwali, melas (fairs) are held throughout India. These are found in many towns and villages.

It is not possible to mention every activity that takes place on this occasion as celebrations vary in different regions. However, this article provides a general overview of the main celebrations that usually occur during this event. Moreover, the date in which Diwali is celebrated may vary depending on locations and calendar interpretations.

List of all the 5 days of Diwali

In most parts of India, Diwali is celebrated for five days.
First Day, Dhanteras: Worshipping of Lord Yama and a huge amount of buying, specifically gold, silver and precious stones, ornaments, new clothes and utensils, takes placeis done on this day. On this day, Lord Dhanwantari is believed to have come out of the ocean with Ayurveda, the science of medicine, for the benefit of mankind.
The second day of Diwali week is called the Kali Chaudas or Narak Chaturdasi, Roop Chaturdashi, Narak Chaturdasi In some parts of India, it is simply the Choti Diwali, On this day Lord Krishna is known to have destroyed the demon Narakasur, freeing the world from fear.
The third day of these festivities is the actual Diwali/ Deepawali, when Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped, along with Lord Ganesha. People light diyas and candles in their homes, and the streets all across is light up with millions of lights, diyas and bursting of crackers
The fourth day is celebrated in various forms all across India. In Gujarat this day is celebrated as Bestu Baras, the New Year as per their Calendar. In Northern states of India, this day is widely celebrated as Govardhan Pooja and Vishwakarma Day, when people worship their instruments, arms and machinery. Most or all business establishments, thus remain closed on this day. This day is also called as Annakut.
The fifth day of Diwali festivities is celebrated as the Bhai Dooj or Bhai Beej or Bhai Teeka/ Tilak or Bhai Fota (In Bengal).

Wishing you a happy and blessed Diwali!
May the light of joy and prosperity shine on you this Diwali. And throughout comming year. “HAPPY DIWALI” To you & your family. May the Joy, Cheer, Mirth and Merriment of this divine festival surround you forever.