NORTH

The primary skein of mythology that ties Diwali celebrations in the northern Indian states is taken from the Ramayana, a Hindu epic, which tells the story of King of Ayodhya, Rama, who gets into a battle with the King of Lanka, Ravana, to win back his wife, Sita, who has been abducted by the latter. After a mighty battle, the victorious Rama and his wife Sita return to Ayodhya.

The triumphant return, symbolic of good prevailing over evil, was celebrated by the townspeople by lighting thousands of clay lamps and bursting of firecrackers.

Many Hindus also associate the festival with Lakshmi, the female deity of wealth and prosperity.

North Indians have extended Diwali celebrations. Homes are given a thorough spring cleaning and decorated with floral motifs called rangolis and oil lamps are lit (in the evening). On the day of Diwali, after sunset, special prayers and rituals are dedicated to the female deity Lakshmi.

Gifts and sweets are exchanged with family and friends and people burst firecrackers.