This is a festival celebrated throughout India and surrounding countries. It is colloquially known as the "festival of lights," for the common practice is to light small oil lamps and place them around the home, in courtyards, verandahs, and gardens, as well as on roof-tops and outer walls. In urban areas, especially, candles are substituted and, among the nouveau riche, neon lights substitute for candles. The celebration of the festival is invariably accompanied by the exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks. As with other festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people. The festival heralds the beginning of the sowing season.
The night is black.
Kindle the lamp of LOVE
With thy life and devotion.
-- Rabindranath Tagore
N.B. Every year that we post Diwali greetings, we are told that this is not a Tamil holiday. Certain members of our community seem to celebrate this holiday, so we will wish them well.