The much-awaited festival of lights, Diwali, is here! This year the five-day-long festivities started with Dhanteras on October 22, followed by Choti Diwali on October 23. Diwali will be celebrated on October 24, followed by Govardhan Puja on October 25, and Bhai Dooj on October 26.
According to Hindu mythology, Diwali is the day when Lord Ram, Sita, and Laxman returned to Ayodhya after their 14-years-long exile period. It was during this time that they also won a battle against the Demon King Ravana and killed him. And thus, Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil or, as some say, the victory of light over darkness. It is also believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits our homes on the evening of the auspicious day of Diwali. And hence, Hindu across the world celebrate this day by cleaning their homes, decorating them and making beautiful rangolis, praying to Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, and Lord Laxman, and Goddess Laxmi, and lighting diyas (earthen lamps) on this special day.
