1. Diwali BY:Mauritius,David and Alfonso

2. What is Diwali? Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

3. When is Diwali? The five-day celebration occurs annually in October or November, the exact dates are dependent on the Hindu lunar calendar. This year the actual day of Diwali will take place on Wednesday 11 November.

4. Why is Diwali celebrated? The fourth day of Diwali is the Hindu New Year. The festival of lights is held in honour of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Hindus pray to Lakshmi to bring them good luck in the coming year. Diwali celebrates the return of Rama and Sita, in the story from the Ramayana.

5. How is Diwali celebrated? Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate, and decorate their homes and offices. On Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas(lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth and prosperity. After puja, fireworks follow, then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Deepavali also marks a major shopping period in nations where it is celebrated.

6. Where is Diwali celebrated? India Deepavali also marks a major shopping period in nations where it is celebrated. Diwali is an important festival for Hindus. The name of festive days as well as the rituals of Diwali vary significantly among Hindus, based on the region of India.

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10. India