The Hindus in India celebrate many festivals. The Diwali or Deepavali is one such festival. This festival is celebrated on the new moon day after the Dussera. The Goddess Kali is also worshipped on this day. This is a festival of lights. People decorate their houses with diyas (oil-lamps) and candles. The houses and buildings look very beautiful with these lights. Goddess Kali is worshipped late at this night.
Diwali is a very popular festival in Gujarat and Maharastra. It is also celebrated by the Oriyas with much enthusiasm. People follow the tradition of wearing new dresses and preparing sweets and namkeens at home. They celebrate the festival in the company of their friends and relatives. Display of fireworks is the most interesting part of this festival. Many temporary stalls come up to sell fireworks of various kinds. People enjoy the fireworks at night, young and old alike.
There is a legend that Lord Rama in the era of Tretaya won a glorious victory over the demon king Ravana of Lanka. He came to Ayodhya with his dear brother Laxman and wife Sita on this day. The people of Ayodhya celebrated his arrival and victory by lighting up the houses with candles and lamps. Thus Lord Ramachandra was congratulated.
Diwali has a great significance for the Hindu businessmen as they consider it as the beginning date of their business year. Their business is renewed from this day. This day marks the end of autumn and the beginning of winter as per the Hindu