Diwali (or Deepavali, the "festival of lights") is an ancient festival celebrated in autumn (northern hemisphere) every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness.
Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices. On Diwali night, they dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth and prosperity. After puja, fireworks follow, then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends.