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• “DeepaVali” or Diwali is the Indian Festival of lights.

• ‘Deepa’ means lamp or light and ‘Vali’ means ‘string of’.

• It is one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated with pomp and splendour all over India and in many other parts of the world

• The Hindu calendar is based on the lunar cycle and the movement of the moon, unlike the conventional Western (or Gregorian) calendar.

• The result is that Hindu festivals move about the Western calendar from year to year.

• Diwali, for example falls on the date of the new moon between the Hindu months of Asvina and Kartika, usually this is in October or November.

What is the story of King Rama?

• After fourteen years of exile in the forest, the King of Ayodhya, Rama, and his brother Laksman, returned to their hometown.

• Before that, they defeated Demon King Ravana in a fierce war.

• Upon Rama's return to Ayodhya the people of the town lit lamps to welcome the King back and to celebrate the victory over Ravana.

• Overjoyed at the return of King Rama, the people danced and celebrated and fired fireworks to show how happy they were. These festivities continue every year at Diwali and are still celebrated today.

Celebrations

• The celebration means as much to Hindus as Christmas does to Christians. Because there are many regions in India, there are many different versions of the Diwali festival.

• The celebration of Diwali is often accompanied by the exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country.

FIVE DAYS OF FESTIVITIES

The first day is called Dhan Theras. People buy jewellery and worship

it to God.

The second day is called Narka Chaturdashi. It marks the death of the tyrant king “Narakusara” who imprisoned many sons and daughters of the Gods.

Rangoli-Painted Prayers

Colourful markets

Lights-Lamps and Fireworks