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Diwali: India's Joyous Festival of Lights – Traditions, Sweets, and Celebrations

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, stands as one of the most vibrant and joyful celebrations on the Indian calendar, bursting with marigolds, sweets, and fireworks. After honoring Krishna's birth during Janmashtami and Rama's victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana at Dussehra, Hindus light butter and oil lamps to guide Rama home from exile.

According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, Rama endured exile in dark forests, battling demons and resisting seduction by Ravana's sister. He allied with Hanuman, the monkey god, leading a monkey army to defeat Ravana and rescue his wife Sita.

Devotees of Rama or any of Hinduism's 330 million deities embrace Diwali's positivity and joy. Falling at the end of harvest season, it brings prosperity—India's heartfelt equivalent to Christmas.

Watch for children's street firecrackers. Safer spectacles light up Mumbai's Chowpatty Beach. Shops overflow with Diwali sweets—buy them by the box, as locals do.

Regional variations include Lakshmi worship, the goddess of wealth. Account books are blessed, ushering in the new financial year.

Diwali occurs on the 15th day of the lunar month Kartika (October/November). Verify this year's dates online.

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