History

Diwali the Festival of Light is celebrated by Hindus around the world in October or November. It is traditionally the Hindu New Year and is celebrated for 3 days or 5 days depending where you come from.

Lakshmi the Hindu goddess of wealth is the patron deity of this festival and it is marked with much excitement and colour. Every year homes are cleaned and aired in anticipation of Lakshmi's visit.

A house must be fully lit up and this is done by burning special clay lamps called diyas and this lights the way for Lakshmi to enter the house. This is another reason why the festival is known as the festival of light.

Traditions

Diwali is a holiday and children from Hindu countries get a day off school to celebrate. During the festival presents are exchanged and delicious food is eaten. Parties are held where families and friends play dice and card games. People wear new clothes and jewellery as well to celebrate the new year.

At night fireworks and firecrackers are set off to warn evil spirits to stay away.

The last day of Diwali is for siblings called Bhaiya-Dooj. On this day brothers give special presents to their sisters because traditionally the sisters cooked and looked after them throughout the year.

In 2009, Diwali will be celebrated on 17th October.