|  Diwali is known as "Festival Of Lights". It is one of the most important Hindu festivals and is celebrated all over India with fun and fervor.
 This festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile. Twinkling oil lamps or diyas light up every home and fireworks or fire crackers display are common all across the country, the entrance of houses are decorated with Rangoli.. The Goddess Lakshmi (consort of Vishnu), who is the symbol of wealth and prosperity, is also worshipped on this day.
 Diwali traditions and customs continue for five days. Lighting up the diyas or candles or oil lamps, decorating rangoli, worshipping with aarti, all these customs and traditions make these five days of Diwali really special. The day before Diwali is celebrated as " Dhanteras" when people buy jewelry and silver/gold items to propitiate Kuber, the God of Wealth.
 There are many interesting customs related to Diwali throughout India. One of the unique Diwali customs consists of indulgence in gambling in North India. Nowadays, cards have replaced dice. According to mythology while Goddess Parvati enjoyed playing dice with her spouse Lord Shiva on this day. It is believed that whoever will gamble on Diwali night would remain prosperous throughout the year.
 It is account closing time for many businessmen. They place their ledgers in front of a picture of Lakshmi and Ganesh and pray for better profits in the coming year. Lakshmi is believed to visit homes that are well lit, so families decorate their homes with flowers and paper chains. People wear their best clothes, children are given Diwali gifts and Hindu New Year greetings, Diwali cards, Deepavali greetings, Diwali ecards, sweets and pleasantries are exchanged.
 A Rangoli design is created on doorsteps to welcome everybody. Rangoli is a pattern drawn out depicting traditional Hindu themes. Traditionally rice flour was used as an offering to the insects, birds and small creatures. Today powder paints, chalk, sand, cereals, seeds or flowers are used to create a rangoli pattern. Delicious food and sweets are prepared.
 The Sikhs celebrate Diwali to celebrate the release of the sixth Guru Hargobind Sahib. For them Diwali means worshipping the religious freedom of Sikhs.
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