Diwali

Also known as Divali.

A Hindu Festival of Lights. held just before the Hindi New Year of Ashwin, being September to October.

Diwali derives from the Ramayana where Rama (helped by the monkey god Hanuman) defeats the demon king Ravana and so good defeats evil.

Light is the symbol of goodness and Diwali means a row of lights. Hundreds of arti lamps are lit, cards are sent and fireworks set off. Sweets are made from milk, sugar and coconuts. Rangoli patterns are drawn on the ground to welcome the gods.