Diwali (Deepawali)

Diwali or Deepawali is the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. It is largely celebrated in honor of the return of Lord Rama, wife Sita, brother Lakshmana and lord Hanuman to Ayodhya from exile of 14 years after Rama defeated Ravana. It spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. It is the ‘Festival of Lights’ that is marked by millions of lamps and lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities. It is a four day celebration, each of the four days governed by a different tradition. However, what remains true and constant is the celebration of life and its goodness.