Diwali is a five day Hindu festival which occurs on the fifteenth day of Kartika. Diwali means "rows of lighted lamps" and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. Every Year On the dark nights if Diwali the sound of firecrackers announces the celebration of the favourite festival of Indians. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed by everyone and thousands of lamps lit to create a world of fantasy. Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important.

Diwali leads us into truth and light and is celebrated on a nation-wide scale on Amavasya -the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Aasho (October / November) every year. It symbolizes that age-old culture of India which teaches to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Diwali, the festival of lights even to-day in this modern world projects the rich and glorious past of India and teaches us to upholdthe true values of life. The word Diwali is the abstraction of the Sanskrit word Deepavali - Deepa meaning light and Avali, meaning a row. It means a row of lights and indeed illumination forms its main attraction. Everyhome - lowly or mighty - the hut of the poor or the mansion of the rich - is alit with the orange glow of twinkling diyas or candles to welcome Lakshmi,Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Multi-colored Rangoli designs, floral decorations and fireworks lendpicturesness and grandeur to this festival which heralds joy, mirth and happiness in the ensuing year. Diwali or more aptly Deepavali is very enthusiastically celebrated for five continuous days and each day has its significance with a number of myths, legends and beliefs.

The First day is called Dhanteras which falls on the thirteenth dayof the month of Aasho. The word Dhan means wealth.Believing this day to be auspicious, women purchasesome gold or silver or at least one or two new utensils.The Second day is called Narkachaturdashi or Choti Diwali which falls on thefourteenth day of the month of Aasho. This day therefore is dedicated to lightsand prayers heralding a future full of joy and laughter.