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Diwali is the corrupted version of Deepawali, which in Sanskrit means 'Rows of Lighted Lamps'. Diwali, is celebrated with great vigor and enthusiasm all over India in similar manner. It is a festival of light, crackers and sweets. It falls in between October and November according to English calendar and exactly twenty days after Dussehra.


According to the beliefs of the people in north India, the festival is celebrated the return of Ram back to his kingdom, Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years in the forests. According to the epic Ramayana, all the nooks and corners of the city of Ayodhya were lighted with diyas on the return of Ram with his brother Lakshman and wife Sita. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, truth over falsehood and light over darkness.


People of Karnataka believe in another legend. Once there was an emperor Bali who had become very powerful conquered the two worlds, Prithvi or Earth, Patal or the World Below and Akash or Heaven. He was, therefore, a threat to the peace of the universe. But King Bali was very generous to the Brahmins. Lord Vishnu is said to have incarnate in the form of a dwarf Brahmin, Vamana. He went to the King Bali and asked for "as much land as three of my footsteps would cover." Bali promptly agreed to fulfill the Brahmin's desire. Soon Vamana acquired his gigantic form and covered Akash with one foot and Patal with another. Then he asked Bali where he should place his foot for the third step. Bali, realized that the Brahmin was no one else but Lord Vishnu, bowed before him and offered his own head for him to place his foot for the third step and was pressed underfoot. This incident occurred on the day of the new moon day or Amavasya when the month of Ashwin (October-November) makes way for Kartik.


Preparations for celebration of Diwali in India begin days in advance. The people clean their household and dispose away with all the trash and unwanted things. It is also the time to get their houses white-washed. Diwali is also associated with the worship of Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. There is a belief among the general population of India that Lakshmi make visits into the houses of people on the night of Diwali so the doors and windows should be kept open the whole night long. But the goddess does not enter into a dirty household. It is symbolic of the fact that prosperity lies in cleanliness. Along with goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha is also worshipped on Diwali.


Diwali along with a few other festivals makes for the festive period to last for good five days. Two days prior to Diwali is celebrated as Dhanteras, when people generally buy some utensils for their household. The next day is celebrated as chhoti Diwali or small Diwali. It is celebrate just like Diwali but on a small scale. Diwali is celebrated with Lakshmi Puja on a specified muharat followed by exchange of gifts and sweets with friends, relatives and neighbors. The day after Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja. It is associated with the legend of Lord Krishna. On this day, Lord Krishna had lifted the Mount Govardhan to protect the people and cattle from heavy storm and rainfall. The final day is celebrated as Bhai Dooj mostly in northern India. On this day, sisters apply sandalwood tikka on the forehead of their brothers and pray for their long life. In return, the brother presents the sister with some gift.


According to the ancient Vedic texts, Diwali is essentially the festival of the Vaishyas, the third in order of varna or classes. In today's time, vaishyas are associated with business or trading community. Diwali has a special significance for them because the new accounting year begins with this festival. and new accounting ledgers are opened on this day.


Diwali in India is enjoyed equally by both the young ones and the grown ups. Each household displays the lighted diyas or earthen lamps and candles. Now days, the use of electrical lightings is also prevalent. Every one wears new clothes. It also the time when people generally buy gifts to exchange with friends and relatives and household items for them. Children enjoy the most because they are presented with new clothes, crackers, sweets and various presents by the elders. Markets are decorated specially with lights for Diwali. Many shopkeepers also decorate their shops and display their products attractively. The shops are equipped with readymade clothes, household items, electronic gadgets, decorative items, gift items, sweets, chocolate boxes, fruits and crackers.


Diwali is celebrate with great pomp and show across the length and breadth of India with minor verifications. Every person tries to celebrate Diwali to the best of his means. You will find from the hut of a poor man lighted with a few diyas or candles to a mansion of a rich elaborately decorated with flowers and electrical lightings along with diyas and candles in celebration for Diwali.