AD Community event - Diwali

Diwali, derived from Sanskrit Dipavali meaning ‘a row of lights’ is popularly known as the "festival of lights," and celebrated between mid-October and mid-December for different reasons.  For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha or nirvana by Mahavira in 527 BC.
The festival starts with ‘Dhanteras’, the "Owl" form of Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well-being. This day is characterised by the customary purchases of precious metals. The second day of the festival, Naraka Chaturdasi, marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.  Amavasya, the third day of Diwali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth fulfilling the wishes of her devotees.  Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished Bali, and banished him to Patala. It is on the fourth day of Diwali, Kartika Shudda Padyami, that Bali took the reins of his new kingdom into Patala. The fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.
Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. These lamps are kept on during the night and people traditionally clean their houses, both done in order to make the goddess Lakshmi feel welcome. Firecrackers are burst in order to drive away evil spirits. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends.