Happy Diwali to all families who celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
Diwali is on the 4th of November and celebrations last for five days. Diwali is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs living all over the world. It symbolizes the spiritual 'victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance'.
The word Diwali means 'rows of lighted lamps'. Diwali is known as the 'festival of lights' because in India houses, shops and public places are decorated with small oil lamps called 'diyas'. In Australia those who celebrate Diwali decorate their homes with 'diyas' or candles.
As with all major celebrations' homes will be filled with the smells of delicious food to share with family and friends. Homes are spring cleaned, new clothes are worn and gifts are exchanged. At night children play with sparklers and there are firework displays.