Today, I am here to deliver a speech on Diwali. Diwali is referred to as the ‘Festival of Lights.’ The excitement is understandable as the children and adults look forward to this beautiful festival with great eagerness and anticipation.

We can not only get away from our regular, worldly routine but also reconnect with friends and relatives we haven't seen in a long time. The Ganesha and Lakshmi Puja, performed for all the gods and goddesses for blessings, prosperity, and riches, is the most special. This worship signifies our gratitude and invokes positive energy for the year ahead. We all feel blissful and happy as the atmosphere becomes energised and charged.

We've all heard various versions of Diwali stories from our ancestors, and each household has its own version. Some of the families believe it commemorates the victory of good over evil, while others believe it honours Lakshmi, the Goddess of Riches, and Ganesha, the God of Knowledge. However, the most popular of them is that Diwali commemorates Lord Rama's, Sita's, and Lakshman's return to their ancestral home of "Ayodhya" after a 14-year exile, according to the Hindu epic Ramayana.

Some people commemorate the return of the Pandavas to their kingdom after 12 years of exile and one year of agyatvas, according to the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It is also believed that Diwali began to be celebrated when Goddess Lakshmi was born after the gods and demons churned the ocean. Additionally, many believe that Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura is also celebrated during this time, highlighting the festival's rich tapestry of stories.

Diwali also marks the beginning of a new Hindu year in the western and some northern parts of India. The Sikh faith commemorates this day by lighting the Golden Temple in honour of their various Gurus. It is observed by followers of the Jain faith to commemorate Lord Mahavira's attainment of Nirvana and enlightenment. As a result, India is a diverse society, and different religions have different perspectives on this festival.

The Diwali celebrations last for five days in total. It requires a variety of arrangements and rituals that people must carry out. People lit candles in their homes and decorated them with rangolis and beautiful flowers. In their homes, women cook delicious delicacies and invite relatives and neighbours to dinner. On the other hand, kids celebrate the festival by lighting firecrackers in the evening.

On this day, the lights represent the triumph of reality and light over darkness. This day encourages us to stay away from bad habits, do good deeds, and stay on the right track to living happier lives. Special ceremonies and customs are observed on this day. On the main Diwali night, people perform grand pujas with many rituals.

Hindus regard Lord Rama as a sign of purity and truthfulness. Diwali; thus, according to them, the festival takes us closer to our loved ones.