Beginning with Dhantraiyodashi, Diwali is four days of celebration. The little clay lamps are lit as an offering to God to ward off evil spirits and to usher prosperity.

The second day is Narak Chaturdashi. It was on this day that the evil demon Naraksura was slayed by Lord Krishna.

Laxmi Pujan is celebrated on the third day when the family gets together to pray and thanks god for all the blessings of the previous year. This is also to welcome the new year the following day, when businessmen start new account books. Families visit relatives and friends and exchange gifts and sweets. It is an auspicious day for new beginnings and also marks the beginning of the wedding season.

• A different Diwali in Darjeeling
• A light-hearted commentary on the Festival of Lights
• Lalu no match for Dhoni, Sania
• The best gadget buys this Diwali
• 'I want this Diwali to be special'
• Diwali celebrations in New York
• Festive knick knacks for your home
• Have your skin glowing this Diwali!
• Festive bags and belts for Diwali
• Traditional but low-cal Diwali desserts
• Intricate, delicate, beautiful... RANGOLIS
• Make your own lanterns and diyas!
• South cinema readies for Diwali explosion
• Bollywood dhamakas: OSO | Saawariya
• Online sales zoom in festive season

Earlier features:

• A New Yorker's very first Diwali
• Diwali around the world
• 'Jalebis made my Diwali'
• Diwali Gala at United Nations
• Diwali Bazaars
• Cooking for a South Indian Diwali
• Diwali with 'Rabri rockets' and 'Nitish flowerpots'
• Cook a healthy Diwali dinner
• The lighter side of Diwali
• Quick-fix Diwali clean-up
• Diwali sweet calorie counter: Gulab Jamun vs Rasgulla
• How Bollywood celebrates Diwali
• Brighten up Diwali for your kids
• Queen's Park, Canada celebrates Diwali!
• Diya days

Design: Satish Bodas