Let’s learn about Diwali! Welcome to India! Let’s learn about Diwali! Diwali is celebrated by Hindus in India and all around the world in October or November. It is the Hindu New Year, and it is either a 3-day or 5-day holiday depending on where you come from.

India – Diwali! Diwali is to remember the time when the Lord Rama returned to his hometown Ayodhya after defeating the evil king of Lanka, Ravana.

India – Diwali! Lord Rama was the king of Ayadhya who had, by his father’s orders, went away from his country to live in the forest for 14 years. The people of Ayadhya loved their king and waited for years to meet with him again.

India – Diwali! When news of Lord Rama’s return came to the people, in honor of their king, and to celebrate his victory, they burst crackers, lit up their houses with earthen lamps (diyas) and decorated the entire city in a grand manner.

India – Diwali! Year after year this homecoming of Lord Rama is remembered on Diwali with lights, fireworks, bursting of crackers and merriment. The festival gets is name Diwali from the rows of lamps that the people lit to welcome their king.

India – Diwali! Today Diwali is celebrated across the world as the “Festival of Light”, where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being.

India – Diwali! Diwali is a very exciting and colorful holiday. Homes are cleaned to welcome the New Year, and windows are opened so that the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, can enter.

India – Diwali! It is believed that she cannot enter a house which is not lit up, so every household burns special Diwali clay lamps (diyas) to light the way for the goddess, which is why the holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights.

India – Diwali! Children have a holiday from school. Presents are given and delicious holiday food is prepared and exchanged.

India – Diwali! New clothes and jewelry are worn. Parties are held, and dice and card games are played. Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to warn off evil spirits, so it is a noisy holiday too!

India – Diwali! The last day of the holiday is a special day for brothers and sisters, called Bhaiya Dooj. Brothers give special presents to sisters, who cook for them and look after them.

India – Diwali! Watch this video to see how India celebrates Diwali! Diwali in India Happy Diwali 2012