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Diwali is...
One of the biggest festivals of Hindus, Deepawali or Diwali in India is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and happiness. This festival is celebrated for five continuous days, with the third day being celebrated as the main Diwali or as 'Festival of Lights'. Fireworks are always associated with this festival. The day is celebrated with people lighting diyas, candles all around their house. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening to seek divine blessings of Goddess of Wealth. Diwali gifts are exchanged among all near and dear ones.
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 Diwali Legends
To find out about some of the Legends associated with Diwali, click here!
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Diwali dates
The date of Diwali is set by the Hindu calendar and so it varies in the Western calendar. It usually falls in October or November. This year the 5 day festival starts on Friday 9th November.
Diwali is a New Year festival in the Vikrama calendar, where it falls on the night of the new moon in the month of Kartika.
Business people regard it as a favourable day to start a new accounting year because of the festival's association with the goddess of wealth.
Diwali is also used to celebrate a successful harvest.
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 Diwali in the UK
In Britain, as in India, the festival is a time for thoroughly spring-cleaning the home and for wearing new clothes and most importantly, decorating buildings with fancy lights.
The British city of Leicester is noted for its Diwali celebrations.
For more information, visit the BBC Diwali page
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