Deepawali - The Festivals of Lights

The word 'Deepawali is composed of two words -- Deepa meaning Light and Avali meaning a Row. It means a row of lights and indeed illumination forms its main attraction. Diwali leads us into Truth and Light and is celebrated on on Amavasya - the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik every year. It symbolizes that age-old culture of our country which teaches us to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge.
Diwali is celebrated on a grand scale in almost all the regions of India and is looked upon mainly as the beginning of New Year. As such the blessings of 'Lakshmi' , the celestial consort of Lord Vishnu are invoked with prayers.