One of the most significant Hindu religious festivals, which occurs on the new moon in the Kartik lunar month (October–November).
This festival honors Vishnu's wife, Lakshmi, who is a goddess of riches, prosperity, and good fortune.
According to popular mythology, Lakshmi roams the world on the night of the new moon, seeking for homes where she would be welcomed and where she will bring prosperity.
People spend the days leading up to Diwali cleaning, repairing, and whitewashing their houses in preparation for the goddess's arrival.
People open all their doors and windows on Diwali evening to allow the goddess to enter, and arrange lights on their windowsills and balcony ledges as an invitation to the goddess.
Clay lamps or candelabras were utilized in the past, but currently strings of electric lights are also popular.
Diwali, a shortened version of Dipavali (dipa "light" + avali "series"), draws its name from these lights.
The legend behind the lighting of these lights tells of a destitute old lady who obtained a royal blessing that all homes save hers would stay dark on Diwali night.
Lakshmi went to the lone home that was illuminated to greet her while she toured the countryside.
The elderly woman's problems were swiftly resolved as a result of Lakshmi's presence.
Lakshmi's strong ties to money and good fortune are responsible for a number of other Diwali customs.
Diwali marks the start of the fiscal year for many traditional mercantile families.
All outstanding debts and responsibilities must be paid in advance, since fresh account books are opened on Diwali.
On this day, the account ledgers are ceremonially revered and viewed as tangible manifestations of Lakshmi in certain situations.
Gambling is another frequent habit, albeit it is usually done inside the family and for modest bets.
Gambling is frowned throughout the rest of the year as a possible drain on one's riches, but doing so on Diwali underlines the link between money and Lakshmi's favor, who takes the form of Lady Luck.
Diwali is also a time for feasting on sweets (the more the merrier) and ringing in the new year by setting off fireworks.
Because of India's lax regulations on fireworks, revelers have access to huge rockets and crackers, and people in the bigger cities celebrate the festival with such fervor that it sounds like an artillery bombardment.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
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