Diwali is commonly known as the “Festival of Lights”. The “Festival of Lights” reflects back to the practice of lighted oil lamps placed all around the home, in courtyards, and in the gardens. Little earthenware cups the size of a palm are filled with oil and a cotton wick is lit so that the oil burns until the oil is used up.

History
Many say diwali is celebrated to honor the homecoming of the famous Hindu King Rama while some believe Lord Krishna defeated an evil demon on this day. Though there are many other myths about how the festival originated, on the whole Diwali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is associated with many sacred events. Some cultures celebrate diwali as the renewal of life with the coming of the sowing season, with families wearing new clothes, lighting firecrackers and distributing sweets and cakes during this season.

The Five Days of Diwali
Diwali is celebrated for five consecutive days which usually fall in October or November (according to the Hindu Calendar). Hindus celebrate these five days in various ways. The following is prevalent in Western India.
The first day of the festival is called Dhan-trayodashi or Dhan teras. Dhan means "wealth" and Trayodashi implies to the 13th day of the first half of the lunar month. This day is important for the rich mercantile community in Western India. They welcome the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi by decorating their houses and business premises with traditional colorful motifs and lights.
The second day is called Naraka Chaturdasi and is dedicated to lights and prayers heralding a future full of joy and laughter.
The third and the most important of the festival is called Diwali. The day is entirely devoted to Lakshmi. It is believed that on this day, Lakshmi showers her blessings for wealth and prosperity. In the evening, people worship and offer sweets to the goddess. They then distribute sweets among family members and feast as well as exchange gifts. Like Christmas in the West, diwali is very much a time for buying and exchanging gifts. Traditionally sweets are common gifts to exchange.
The fourth day of Diwali Varsha-pratipada falls on the first day of the lunar New Year. This day is believed to be the most auspicious day to start any new venture. At this time, old business accounts are settled and new ones are opened. Also, on this day newly-married daughters with their husbands are invited for special meals and are given presents.
On the final day Bhayiduj, brothers and sisters meet to express their affection by giving gifts to each other

Diwali Dishes
In addition to being the “Festival of Lights”, Diwali is also the festival of sweets. Days before the festival, women start preparing traditional delicacies for their family and friends. On Diwali, they distribute these sweets to their friends and neighbors. Besan ke ladoo (chickpea balls), kheer (rice pudding), sheera (warm fudge-like sweet with cardamom, semolina, saffron, raisins and nuts) are some of the most popular sweets of the festival.


From decorating houses and lighting firecrackers to eating delicious sweets, diwali has always had a social connotation to it. It’s more about meeting with families and friends and strengthening social and family ties.