DIWALI

Diwali, or Deepavali, is the "festival of lights", the most important Hindu festival of the year. The festivities last 5 days: they begin 2 days before the date and end 2 days after. At nightfall, candles are lit in front of all the houses to celebrate the return of Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya. Many firecrackers are set off in order to chase away evil spirits. However, Kerala is the only state in India where Diwali is not a major festival. The next day is Annakut, the new year for the Hindus.