Line up the diyas outside the door keeping in mind the light-adorned vernacular Varanasi on the banks of the Holy River Ganga. Sweep the dust from every corner to welcome prosperity and wealth. Line up the boxes of sugar-dripping sweets and take them to friends and family in the newest or finest clothes for the occasion. That’s right! Diwali is just around the corner. Everyone in India, regardless of religion or caste, revels in this spectacular festival of lights. Homes are lit up, and open, inviting the Goddess of wealth, luck and prosperity – Lakshmi – into their homes and lives.

Diwali is the biggest and most popular festival for Hindus across the world. This is also a time away from toils whether it is school, work or the daily grind of life. It’s a time of the year where every individual ponders of family, friends, home, togetherness, and many other aspects that this socially auspicious festival brings together. A five-day festival, Diwali is celebrated as the homecoming of Lord Rama with Sita and Laxmana after a long exile of 14 years. Translated literally from Sanskrit, Diwali means a row of lights. Diyas were first lit by the people of Ayodhya to welcome their King, Rama, after he defeated Ravana.

Commemorating the victory of good over evil, it is also an opportunity for people to move on, let go of past grudges, and make merry. Sweet being the primary treat of the festival, people of India make Gulab jamuns, Ukkarai, Murukku, Anarsa etc to lift the spirits to a new high.  Each state of India has its own way of making Diwali flavoursome. So, treat yourself to a new celebration and see Diwali, in a whole new light.