Divali or Diwali (Feast of Lanterns) is one of the most important Hindu festivals and is held for five days on the last days of the dark quarter of the moon (calculated as twenty days after the new moon) in the month of October or November. It is a form of Indian harvest festival - Hindus giving thanks for the harvest - marking the end of the monsoon season and the opening of the commercial year and tribute - known as Lakshmi Puja - is paid in honour of Lakshmi the goddess of wealth, including making offerings of turmeric and vermilion to the house broom. The third day is the main day of Diwali and is celebrated as the 'Festival of Lights' when people light diyas and candles all around their house - so as to light up the path of the goddess Lakshmi. It is also important to Hindus to clean their house during Divali, as the goddess Lakshmi adores cleanliness and the broom is sacred to her. During Divali Hindus exchange presents with their loved ones and celebrate their joy, exploding fireworks at night. Research Divali
Lakshmi or Lakshami, is the Hindu goddess of wealth, beauty, books and learning. She has three forms: Mahalakshmi the goddess of wealth and money, Mahasaraswati the goddess of books and learning, and Mahakali. Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu and is celebrated during Divali. Lakshmi is said to adore cleanliness, and as such Hindus consider the brrom sacred to her. The worship of the goddess of wealth is known as Lakshmi Pooja and is very important to Hindus. Research Lakshmi
Abbreviations
Research Padma Lakshmi
