Diwali or Deepavali is the festival of Lights is celebrated on the fifteenth day of Kartika. As the name indicates, deep means a lamp and avali means rows, All the households are decorated with lamps all around. Traditionally these were the oil based earthen lamps, however the technology has stepped in and introduced electrical lamps, garlands etc making the task easier and also to some extent safer. The lamps signify light and knowledge and also the victory of good over evil.

During Diwali all the homes are cleaned thoroughly and lamps lit all around. The doors and windows are kept open in to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. In the olden days and in some cases even now, the merchamts and businessmen used to close their annual accounts on Diwali. A possible reason behind this practice may be the last harvest of the season coinciding with this day.

The day is of significance to various sects and religions. The day marks

Rama's return to Ayodhaya after defeating Ravana in Ramayana.

Lord Krishna defeating Narakasura

Nirvana of Mahavira

Krishna Defeating Indra

Release of the the Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji

Bali's return to the nether world

Diwali or Deepavali is actually a five day festival.

The first day is the Dhan teras which marks the beginning of the Diwali celebrations, when people shop till they drop as the day is considered to be auspicious for buying.

The second day is the Narak Chaturdasi, the day when Narakasur was killed by Krishna. The day is meant for relaxation and many people have massages done in preparation for the celebration of Diwali with vigour

The third day is the actual Diwali also called Laxmi Puja, when people worship Laxmi the goddess of wealth and prosperity and burst crackers.

The fourth day is the Govardhan Puja. Krishna defeated Indra on this day and gave a message to thepeople to worship and take care of the nature.

The last day of the Diwali celebrations is the Bhai Duj which brings together the brothers and sisters and is Akin to Raksha bandhan.

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Recipes for Diwali sweets and other preparations can be downloaded at
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and
http://www.101kidz.com/holidays/diwali/recipes.html

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Diwali gifts and Diwali hampers can be bought or sent online at
http://shopping.surfindia.com/diwali-gifts/
and
http://www.diwali-gifts.com/