what is diwali

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a major religious festival celebrated in India and by Indian communities around the world. The festival symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, each with their own specific historical events and stories associated with the festival. Diwali is marked by the lighting of clay lamps, known as diyas, outside homes, and the festival typically lasts for five days, with the exact dates determined by the position of the moon. It is a time for vibrant colors, fireworks, delicious food, and the exchange of gifts and sweets with friends and family. Diwali is also a significant period for consumer purchases and economic activity in India, comparable to the Christmas period in the West, as it is dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi. The festival is a time for spiritual reflection, joy, and togetherness, and it holds deep cultural and religious significance for the communities that celebrate it.