This Hindu Festival usually takes place in Mid-October/November and is celebrated by Hindus worldwide. It is most famous in India.
The word Divali (or Diwali) comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali meaning a row of lights. Deep means light or lamp and avali means row. If you would like to wish someone a happy diwali, the expression is 'shubh diwali'.
It is celebrated on the 'Kartika Amavasya' or New Moon. The festival lasts for five days the most popular day includes a light nightime display of candles, lamps and fireworks. It should be noted that this Hindu festival is celebrated differently in different areas of India. In some places it is only a 1 day festival and in other Indian areas it is celebrated over 6 days.
Day 1: Vasu Baras Baras means 12th day and vasu means cow. The cow and calf are worshipped on Vasu Baras.
Day 2: Dhanvantari an incarnation of the God of health and welfare: Vishnu, is worshipped. During this day people buy new clothes, new vessels, gold and silver etc.
Day 3: Naraka Chaturdashi signifies the fourteenth day on which demon Narakasura was killed by god Krishna. It also signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. In much of Southern India this is the main day of the festival.
Day 4: Lakshmi Puja is the most important day of Diwali celebrations in Northern India.
Day 5: Bali Pratipada/Govardhan Puja is celebrated as the day Krishna defeated the god Indra.
Day 6: Bhaiduj is a day for families across India and other Hindu areas to meet and rejoice in life.
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