Long ago, Prince Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years in the forest and a great battle with Ravana. The people lit rows of lamps along every street to welcome them home on the darkest night of the year.
In South India the same festival remembers Krishna defeating the demon Narakasura, who had imprisoned thousands of people. Before dying, Narakasura asked that his death be celebrated with lights, and so the day begins with an oil bath before sunrise.
On the new-moon night families pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, who is said to visit homes that are clean, bright and welcoming.
How families celebrateDiwali marks the victory of light over darkness. Homes are cleaned and lit with rows of clay diyas, rangoli is drawn at the doorstep, sweets are shared with neighbours, and the family gathers for Lakshmi Puja on the new-moon night. In South India the main day begins before dawn with an oil bath for Naraka Chaturdashi.
Day 1 Dhanteras (6 Nov): buy something new, often brass or silver. Day 2 Naraka Chaturdashi: oil bath before sunrise. Day 3 Lakshmi Puja (8 Nov): lamps, puja and sweets. Day 4 Govardhan Puja or Bali Padyami. Day 5 Bhai Dooj (11 Nov): sisters pray for their brothers.
