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Diwali
Festival Significance
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a five-day celebration that marks Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
Rituals
Light diyas and candles for 5 days. Main Lakshmi Puja on Day 3 during pradosh kaal. Create rangoli, wear new clothes, distribute sweets, and burst firecrackers (eco-friendly).
Fasting
Fasting is observed on Dhanteras and the main Diwali day until after Lakshmi Puja in the evening.
In Varanasi
Varanasi transforms into a city of lights during Diwali. Every ghat is illuminated with thousands of diyas. Dev Deepawali, celebrated 15 days later on Kartik Purnima, sees over a million diyas lit on the ghats — a uniquely Varanasi tradition. The view from a boat on the Ganga is unforgettable.