What is Diwali?
Diwali, the festival of lights, falls on the new moon that closes Ashwin — the darkest night of the lunar year, kept as the return of Rama to Ayodhya and the worship of Lakshmi. Its date is set by which evening the Amavasya covers, since Lakshmi Puja is performed after sunset.
How it is observed
Homes are cleaned, decorated with rangoli and lined with diyas. Lakshmi Puja is performed during the Pradosh window below, followed by sweets, new clothes and fireworks.