Diwali or Diwali is the festival of lights, the triumph of justice and the raising of spiritual darkness. The term "Diwali" refers to Dias rows or clay lamps. It is one of the most popular festivals in the Hindu calendar. Rama remembers returning to his Ayodhya realm after completing his 14 years of exile. The stories surrounding Rama and Ravana are told on another holiday, known as Dasara or Vijaya Dasamy.
Lakshmi is the wife of the goddess Vishnu and symbolizes wealth and prosperity. She is also worshiped on Diwali. The festival is celebrated as "Kali Puja" in West Bengal and is worshiped by Lord Shiva's wife Kali on Diwali. The Diwali festival in South India has often imprisoned many people in memory of the Assam king Naraka. It is believed that Lord Krishna freed the prisoners.
Many Buddhists in India celebrate the anniversary of Emperor Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism during Diwali. Many scholars believe that Ashoka lived between 270 BC and 232 BC, and many celebrate Jainism on October 15, 527 BC, the anniversary of Mahavira (or Lord Mahavir) Nirvana. Mahavira established the central spiritual ideas of Jainism. Many Jains celebrate the Festival of Lights in his honor.
Nanak's sixth return from captivity in Fort Gwalior (Guru Har Govind) is akin to the Diwali of the Sikh celebration, Bandi Chor Divas. This coincidence has led to the similarity of celebrating the day among many Sikhs and Hindus.
