Diwali

The word 'Deepavali' means an array of lights. Diwali, also known as "Deepawali", is the festival of lights. It is celebrated with much joy and fervour all over the country. In Kerala, everyone irrespective of his or her religion and caste celebrate this festival. People light small earthenware lamps outside their homes and also put up glittering electric lights. This festival marks the return of Lord Rama to his home after 14 years of exile and victory over the demon King Ravana. Diwali falls on the preceding day of the New Moon in the Malayalam month Thulam which comes in October or November.

Another version of Diwali is that it is celebrated in commemoration of the destruction of the demon called Narakasura by Lord Krishna. As Lord Krishna killed Narakasura on the Chaturdasi day that is the fourteenth lunar day it is also known as Narakachaturdasi. Before sunrise, all in the house have their oil bath and put on new cloths. Sweets are then served followed by bursting of crackers. The people of Dwaraka greeted Lord Krishna with illumination and rejoicing in honour of his victory over Narakasura. The darkness of the Chaturdasi night compelled them to use many lamps on the occasion, and subsequently the illumination became a part of this celebration. Diwali has deeper significance than what is popularly believed. At the time of the festival the sun is in the house of Thulam or Libra ie. the scales, which signifies commerce, and hence the association of Deepavali with merchants and the Goddess of wealth. The darkness and light symbolise ignorance and knowledge respectively. As the light dispels darkness, ignorance is replaced by knowledge.