Commemorating the return of Lord Rama from exile after 14 years, Diwali is a festival of light. It is celebrated every year on 15th day of Kartika, according to the Hindu calendar, which falls in the month of October or November. The festival signifies removal of spiritual darkness from our lives and the victory of good over evil.
Diwali is one such popular festival of India that its preparations start days in advance. People clean their houses very well before the festival and decorate them with flowers, strings of electric lights and colourful candles. On the day of Diwali people give gifts of sweets to friends, relatives and neighbours, wear new clothes, perform Laxmi goddess puja, light clay oil lamps inside and outside of their houses and enjoy fireworks. Diwali melas (fair) are also held in different places in the cities and villages. Card parties are also organized by many people at their homes.