Diwali(Deepawali)

Deepawali or Diwali, is the Hindu festival which is celebrated in largest area of India. It is a festival of lights symbolising the victory of righteousness and the annihilation of spiritual darkness.
The word 'Deepawali' literally means rows of diyas (clay lamps). It is seen as an occasion for all members of a family to assemble together. Deewali is celebrated 20 days after Dussehra, on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Asvin (October-November) in Saka Calendar.
This festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile. Twinkling oil lamps or diyas light up every home and firework displays are common all across the country. The goddess Lakshmi (consort of Vishnu), who is the symbol of wealth and prosperity, is also worshipped on this day. Lord Ganesha, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshipped in most Hindu homes on this day.
Another view is that Deepawali is meant to celebrate the destruction of the arrogant demon (asur) king Maha Bali at the hands of Vishnu when the latter appeared in his Vamana (dwarf) avatar.
The occasion of Deepawali sees the spring-cleaning and white-washing of houses; decorative designs or rangolis are painted on floors and walls. New clothes are bought and family members and relatives gather together to offer prayers, distribute sweets and to light up their homes.
The previous day of Diwali is celebrated as Chhotti Diwali (small Diwali) in memory of Lord Krishna saving about 16000 Gopikas (cow-herd girls) who were enslaved by Narakasur, the demon. In some places, this festival is not celebrated separately, and it falls on the same day of Diwali.