Diwali or Deepawali is a festival of light celebrated during the month of Kartik (October). It is celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya, after an exile of fourteen years, along with Mother Sita, Lord Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman.

Rama, was the eldest son and heir of the king of Ayodhya, King Dashratha. King Dashratha had three wives Kaushalya (mother of Rama), Sumitra (mother of Lakshmana) and Kaikayi (mother of Bharat and Shatrughan). When Rama was about to be crowned the king of Ayodhya, Rama's stepmother Kaikayi plotted against him and, as a result, he was exiled. Sita and Lakshmana, Rama's half-brother, went with him.

They all lived together in the forest. After facing series of misadventures and dreadful events, Rama returned back to his kingdom after fourteen years. The people of Ayodhya were delighted to have their beloved prince back and they rejoiced this event by lighting lamps and earthen pots in their houses.

Diwali celebrations are also a mark of honour to Mother Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and knowledge. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi pays visit to the houses of people this day. She visits only those places which are clean and pure. Therefore, people keep their houses absolutely clean and spotless.

With changing times the mode of celebration has changed a bit but the basic essence has remained the same. On this day, people worship Goddess Laksmi and Lord Ganesha. They offer sweets and other offerings before them in their houses and temples. Children burn crackers and enjoy fireworks. The houses are all lit up with lamps and electric bulbs. Everybody is dressed up in their new clothing and visit each others places to wish 'Happy Diwali'.

Diwali, like most other Indian festivals is a communal festival. People from all walks of life join together to celebrate the festival. Though it is primarily considered as a festival of the Vaishyas (the business class) but it is celebrated by all other communities with the same vitality. The festival of Diwali also signifies that people should shun down all the evil feelings from their hearts and light their soul with knowledge and wisdom.

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