Diwali - the Festival of Lights. String wicks inserted in small clay pots filled with oil—to signify victory of good over the evil within an individual.Diwali celebrates this through festive fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship.The story behind Diwali varies from region to region, the essence is the same - to rejoice in the inner light or the underlying reality of all things.

Diwali celebrations are spread over five days.

In Maharashtra, Diwali starts from Vasubaras which is the 12th day of the 2nd half of the month of Ashwin. This day is celebrated by performing an Aarti of the cow and its calf- which is a symbol of love between mother and her baby.

The next day is Dhanteras. This day is of special importance for traders and business people.

Then comes Lakshmi- poojan. . The dark night is illuminated by lamps and at dusk crackers are burst. New account books are opened after a pooja. . In every household, cash, jewellery and an idol of the goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. . The broom used to clean one's house is also worshipped as a symbol of Lakshmi in some places .

Padwa' is the 1st day of the new month - Kartik in the Hindu calendar. It marks the start of Hindu financial year. Its a special day for Husband and wife. The wife puts tika on her husbands forehead and gets an expensive gift.

Bhaubeej- it is the time where in the bond of love between a brother and sister is further strengthened as the sister asks God for her brother/s long and successful life while she receives presents from her beloved brother/s.

Homes are cleaned and decorated before Diwali. Offices perform puja. Bonuses and holidays are granted to employees on these auspicious days. People buy property and gold on these days too. For children, Fire works, new clothes and sweets make Dipavali the most eagerly awaited festival of the year.