Divali is the greatest of Hindu festivals. It is the most beautiful and joyful of them all. It comes off towards the close of the dark half of the month of Ashwin. It lasts for four days. Each one of these days has a religious meaning. The Divali Day begins the business year for traders.

The word "Divali" means "a row of lamps". Divali is the "Festival of Lamps". Long before it arrives, people start cleaning, white-washing and decorating their houses. Then the festivals begins. Every house has its row of lights early in the morning and at night. People get up early. The young let off crackers. Women draw lovely "rangolis" and make sweets. Merry-making is in the air. Bazaars look gay with decorations. They show a wide variey of goods. Circuses, plays and pictures have full houses.

People are out of their houses before day-break on the New Year’s Day to wish a Happy New Year to their friends and relatives. Postmen and office peons and domestic servants are out for their "baksheesh". Gladness and good-will fill the world.