Diwali which is also known as Dipawali, is one of the biggest festival of India. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.
No doubt, Diwali is a Hindu festival but over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival that’s also enjoyed by non-Hindu communities. Observances of Diwali differ depending on region and tradition. Among Hindus the most widespread custom is the lighting of lamps or diyas (small earthenware lamps filled with oil) on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
In most of the places, goddess Kali is worshipped. In North India the festival also celebrates the royal homecoming of Rama along with Sita, Lakshmana to the city of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. So this festival has a connection with Dussehra. In South India the festival marks Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura. Some celebrate Diwali as a commemoration of the marriage of Lakshmi and Vishnu, while others observe it as the birthday of Lakshmi.