| Diwali is the most celebrated festival in India - | | | | still having sky touching demand all across India and |
| especially for Hindus and Jains. The term being | | | | abroad. Although distinctive prominences are given to |
| derived from the Sanskrit word "Dipavali", which | | | | celebrate the Festival of Light in different region of |
| means the row of lights, the main festival happens | | | | India, the spirit of celebration is always at its peak |
| on the no-moon day of the dark half of Kartik ( | | | | when it comes to Diwali. |
| name of a month) as per the Hindu lunar calendar. | | | | While it is commonly known as the Festival of lights, |
| Celebrated insanely in India, Diwali is also celebrated in | | | | the esoteric essence of the festival lies in the |
| many other parts of the world like Mauritius, Thailand, | | | | awareness of the innermost lights. As the central |
| Fiji, Japan, United Kingdom, UAE, Netherlands, | | | | theme of Hindu philosophy being the existence of |
| Myanmar, Malaysia, Australia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, | | | | Atma - the soul beyond the physical body, the main |
| Nepal, Indonesia, New Zealand etc. Even in USA | | | | purpose of Diwali celebration is to celebrate the |
| people of Indian origin celebrates Diwali with great | | | | presence of the inner lights, awakening the people |
| pomp. What is most interesting in this regard is that | | | | and bringing them to the light of goodness. |
| the US house of representatives has passed a | | | | Diwali is a 5 day festival that usually starts with |
| resolution recognizing the spiritual, religious and cultural | | | | Dhanteras, which is a day that is set apart for the |
| significance Diwali. Mr. Joe Wilson, who is the Co-Chair | | | | worship of Lord Lakshmi - the Goddess of Wealth. |
| of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian | | | | The Second day of the festival symbolizes the Day |
| Americans, said, "My resolution acknowledges the | | | | of Strength and hence is spend worshipping the Lord |
| international, religious, and historical importance of the | | | | of Strength - Goddess Kali. The third day being the |
| festival of Diwali as well as the religious diversity in | | | | last day of the Hindu lunar calendar is spent to |
| India, the United States, and throughout the world. It | | | | celebrate the presence of the inner lights and victory |
| shows our support for the strong and growing | | | | righteousness. That is why the homes and the patios |
| partnership and dialogue in international efforts | | | | are adorned with lamps, candles and diyas (the |
| between the United States and India". Know as the | | | | earthen oil lamp). Illumination and fireworks are the |
| "Festival of Lights", Diwali symbolizes the dominion of | | | | main attractions for the day err night, although in |
| good over evil and the light of knowledge over the | | | | many parts of India, people usually start playing with |
| darkness of ignorance. | | | | fireworks. The fourth day of Diwali is again one of |
| The most common activities that encompasses the | | | | the most vital days, as it marks the beginning of a |
| Diwali celebration are exchanging Diwali gifts, making | | | | Hindu lunar new year. It is on this particular day that |
| special Diwali sweets, purchasing new cloths, | | | | the old business accounts are settled with starting |
| decorating homes and not to forget enjoying the | | | | off with new books and accounts. The last day of |
| dazzling fireworks. Although most of the crackers | | | | Diwali (Balipratipada), is used to remember and honour |
| emitting huge noises are banned, some others such | | | | an ancient Indian king called Bali. He is remembered |
| as sparklers, flashes, fountains and aerial rockets are | | | | for his philosophy and good deeds. |