Diwali 

or Deepavali, popularly known as the "festival of

lights", is an important five-day festival in Hinduism, 
Jainism, and Sikhism, celebrated for different reasons,
occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For
Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the
year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional
activities together in their homes. For Jains, Diwali marks
the attainment of moksha or nirvana by Mahavira in 527 BC.
For Sikhs, Diwali is important because it celebrates the
release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, who
also rescued 52 Hindu kings held captive by Mughal
 Emperor with him in the Gwalior Fort in 1619.
The name "Diwali" is a contraction of
"Deepavali" , which translates into "row of
lamps". Diwali involves the lighting of small
clay lamps filled with oil to signify the
triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, all
the celebrants wear new clothes and share 
sweets and snacks with family members and
friends. Most Indian business communities
begin the financial year on the first day of
Diwali.
Spiritual significance:

In each legend, tradition and story of Deepavali lies the

significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with
each Deepavali and the lights that illuminate our homes
and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and
hope. From darkness into light — the light that empowers
us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us
closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every
corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the
air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy,
togetherness and hope. Diwali is celebrated around the
globe. Outside India, it is more than a Hindu festival, it is a
celebration of South-Asian identities. Deepavali
celebrations are spread over five days .
There are numerous
customs and traditions
associated with Diwali,
namely, burning of
crackers, playing cards,
lightning of lamps, wearing
new clothes, distribution of
sweets, exchange of gifts
The magnificent five days long jubilation of
Diwali celebrations is marked by multi-colored
Rangoli designs, special pooja ceremonies, lines of
lamps, floral decorations, fireworks, exchange
of Diwali Sweets and Diwali Gifts that lend
grandeur to the Occasions. Every home - lowly or
mighty - the hut of the poor or the mansion of the
rich - shines with the glow of twinkling diyas or
candles to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth
and prosperity.
Diwali falls on the one new moon night between
mid-October and mid-November. Deepavali is
celebrated for five days according to the lunisolar 
Hindu Calendar. It begins in late Ashvin (between
September and October) and ends in early Kartika
(between October and November). The first day
is Dhan Teras. The last day is Yama Dvitiya, which
signifies the second day of the light half of Kartika.
Each day of Deepavali marks one celebration of the
six principal stories associated with the festival .
Diwali is celebrated in various parts of the world,
particularly those with large populations of Indian and
Hindu origin. These include countries such as Sri Lanka
, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, 
Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, 
South Africa, Guyana, Surinam, Trinidad and Tobago, 
Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. With
more and more Indians now migrating to various parts of
the world, the number of countries where Deepavali is
celebrated has been gradually increasing. While in some
countries it is celebrated mainly by Indian expatriates, in
others it has become part of the general local culture.
Diwali (Deepavali)
A diya (oil lamp) placed on a rangoli during Deepavali
Also called: Translation: Row of Lights; Deepavali, Festival of
Lights
Observed by: Hindus, Sikhs Jains
Type: Religious, India, Sri Lanka,Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana,
Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji
Significance: Celebration of the victory of good over evil; the
uplifting of spiritual darkness
Date: Decided by the luni- solar Hindu calendar
Celebrations: Decorating homes with lights ,Fireworks,
distributing sweets and gifts
Observances: Prayers, Religious rituals
Lighting the pencil Decorating the
Lighting the lamps
cracker entrance of a
house

Offering prayers Dancing in front of

crackers Musical celebrations
Source:
INTERNET

Made By- Sreenidhi.M