Chapter I
What it celebrates
Many stories gather around Diwali. In the north of India it celebrates the return of Rama, with Sita and Lakshmana, to his city of Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and the defeat of the demon king Ravana; the people lit rows of lamps to welcome him. In the south it often recalls Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Everywhere it is the night of Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and good fortune, who visits homes that are clean and lit.
Jains mark the night on which Mahavira reached final liberation. Sikhs celebrate the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment in Gwalior fort and his return to Amritsar.
Chapter II
How it is kept
Homes are cleaned and decorated, and patterns of coloured powder, rangoli, are made at the door to welcome Lakshmi. At dusk diyas and candles are lit along windows and roofs. Families perform Lakshmi puja, exchange sweets and gifts, wear new clothes and, in many places, set off fireworks.
Chapter III
Around the world
The Golden Temple in Amritsar is illuminated and surrounded by fireworks for Bandi Chhor Divas. Leicester in England holds one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India, and the festival is a public holiday in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago and other countries.