Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu Festival of Lights which is celebrated every year in autumn. It is an official holiday in some countries. One of the major festivals of Hinduism, it spiritually signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Its celebration includes millions of lights shining in cities and villages. The preparation for the Festival and the rituals extend over a five-day period. But the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month. Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November. Before the Diwali, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices. On Diwali night, people dress in new clothes or in their best outfits. We have a family feast including sweets and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. We celebrate Diwali by worshipping Lakshmi.
D. Nawyalini,
Grade 5,
Cambridge International School.