Diwali

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year in autumn in the northern hemisphere. One of the major festivals of Hinduism, it spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed.

Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate, and decorate their homes and offices.On Diwali night, people dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi – the goddess of fertility and prosperity. After puja, fireworks follow,then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends.

In the office we had a selection of savoury and sweet things. Most of the girls dressed up in their sparkly saris