Diwali — The Festival of Lights

Diwali (Deepavali — *a row of lamps*) is celebrated across India and the world. It marks several events at once: Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and the defeat of Ravana; Mata Lakshmi emerging from the cosmic ocean; Lord Krishna's defeat of Narakasura. Across all these stories the thread is the same — light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance. ## The five days 1. **Dhanteras** — celebrating Dhanvantari and prosperity. Houses are cleaned and small purchases are made. 2. **Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)** — the defeat of Narakasura. Lamps lit at dusk. 3. **Lakshmi Puja (Diwali)** — the main day. Houses lit with diyas, Mahalakshmi worshipped in the evening. 4. **Govardhan Puja / Annakut** — Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan; an offering of many foods. 5. **Bhai Dooj** — sisters honour their brothers, echoing the bond between Yama and Yamuna. ## The deeper meaning Diwali is not only about external lights. The diya represents the inner flame — *atma jyoti* — the awareness that endures even when everything outside is dark. Cleaning the home before Diwali mirrors cleaning the heart of clutter and resentment so that *shri* can enter.