Diwali is one of the greatest festivals in the Hindu tradition. Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists also celebrate this festival (Dilwali). It is a festival of happiness celebrated by Hindus all over the world. They are five consecutive days, each day has an ideal or a thought and is based on a legend. The legends differ based on the part of the world where (Festival) Diwali is celebrated. It is the harmony between these five ideas that makes Diwali such a special festival for Hindus (Diwali: Festival). New clothes are worn, gifts are exchanged and sweets are prepared (Festival). Diwali translates to “row of lamps” and involves the lighting of small oil lamps, signifying the victory of good over evil. Diwali is the festival of lights. It is known as the Festival of Lights due to the numerous lamps that are lit throughout its entirety (Festival). Diwali is usually celebrated in October or November. It began as a harvest festival, thanking God for the crops received and celebrating the last harvest before winter. In India, the blessing of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is sought for agriculture. Hindus would pray for success at the start of a new fiscal year. The day after the end of Diwali marks the beginning of the new fiscal year. Today, this is performed by Hindus and residents of India (Diwali—National). The first day is Dhanteras and marks the beginning of Diwali. The root word "Dhan" means wealth. Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day for prosperity. For this reason, this day has become very significant for Hindu businesses. Homes and businesses are decorated to welcome Lakshmi. Using rice flour, small foot prints are drawn in homes to exemplify its long ancient… middle of paper… at Christmas. From the star that guided the shepherds to the manger to the lights hung in homes throughout the season, light is everywhere. Being in darkness has been associated with ignorance and fear, while being full of lights has been associated with understanding the true meaning of life. At this time, Christians are called to live in the light of God and spread his light and message to others (Festival). Works Cited "Diwali Festival". Diwali celebration. Souledout, 2014. Web. April 30, 2014. “Diwali: Festival of Lights.” Diwali celebration. Society for Festivals Conference in India,2014. Network. April 16, 2014. "Diwali - National Geographic Kids." National geographic. National Geographic, 2014. Web.01 May 2014."Festival of Lights." BBC News. BBC, 2014. Web. 01 May 2014."Festival Of Light." Festival of Lights. SouledOut, January 1, 2014. Web. May 1 2014.