What does Diwali mean?

The word "Divali/Diwali" is a variation of the Sanskrit word "Deepavali" which means "a continuous line of lamps" (The word 'Deep' means "light", and 'avali' means "a continuous line"). Thus,Diwaliis the time to celebrate withlights.

Hindus and Sikhs alike regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships. One of the most important Hindu festivals,Diwalimarks the beginning of a new year in some Hindu calendars. For Hindus, the festival is not only the time to make merry but also the time to worship divine beings considered sacred in Hinduism like Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Mahabali. It is also a significant festival for the Sikh faith. For Jains, it is an occasion to remember Lord Mahavira.In Nepal,Diwaliis celebrated by many Buddhists as Tihar or Swanti.

Why isDiwalicalled the "Festival ofLights"?

Diwaliis known as the "Festival ofLights". This is probably because of the manner in which it is observed. The festival is traditionally celebrated withactivitieslike bursting crackers, lighting rows of candles and diyas (earthen lamps) around individual homes, holding dazzlingfireworks displayand igniting colourful sparklers.

What happened duringDiwali?

Known as the "Festival ofLights,"Diwalicommemorates the time when the Lord Rama returned to his hometown Ayodhya after defeating the evil demon king of Lanka, Ravana. Lord Rama was the king of Ayodhya who had, by his father's orders, went away from his country to live in the forest for fourteen years. But the people of Ayodhya loved their king very much and waited for years to meet with him again. And so, when news of Lord Rama'sreturncame to them again, the people of Ayodhya, in the honour of their king and to celebrate his victory, burst crackers, lit up their houses with earthen lamps (diyas), anddecoratedthe entire city in the grandest manner. Year after year this homecoming of Lord Rama is commemorated onDiwaliwithlights, fireworks, bursting of crackers and merriment. The festival gets its name Deepawali, orDiwali, from the rows (avali) of lamps (deepa) that the people of Ayodhya lit to welcome their King.

TodayDiwaliis celebrated across the world as the "Festival of Light," where thelightsor lamps signify victory of good overthe evil withinevery human being .

Read more athttp://www.kidsgen.com/events/diwali/about_diwali.htm#ZLDKQDwisYXR0mXg.99