Diwali, the festival of lights, is the biggest Hindu festival. Generally, it falls in the month of October and/or November each year according to the Gregorian calendar. As per the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated on the last three days of the Ashwin month and the first two days of the Karthik month. The five days are called - Dhanteras, Kali Chaudhash, Laxmi Pooja, Govardhan Pooja and Bhai dooj. Diwali is celebrated to signify the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and welcoming health, wealth and prosperity. It also celebrates the bonding between husband and wife, and brother and sister.

According to the Hindu epic, Ramayana, Diwali is celebrated to welcome victorious Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Lakshmana in Ayodhya from their exile after 14 years. The ways in which Diwali is celebrated are - cleaning, painting, decorating the house, drawing rangolis, buying jewellery, new clothes, cooking a plethora of delicacies including sweets and savouries, performing poojas, inviting relatives and friends and bursting fire crackers. My favourite aspect of Diwali is the get togethers of family and friends where we have loads of fun and make long lasting memories. A Very Happy Diwali To One and All!