1. Cleaning and decorating homes: People thoroughly clean their homes and decorate them with lights, diyas (small clay lamps), candles, and flowers.
2. Rangoli: Colorful patterns are created on the floor using colored powders, flowers, and rice grains.
3. Diyas and candles: Diyas and candles are lit and placed everywhere, inside and outside the house, to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
4. Lakshmi puja: On the main day of Diwali, people perform Lakshmi puja, a prayer ritual dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
5. Sweets and snacks: Diwali is known for its delicious sweets and snacks, such as ladoos, jalebis, gulab jamun, and chaklis.
6. Gifts: People exchange gifts with their friends, family, and relatives as a symbol of love and goodwill.
7. Firecrackers: Bursting firecrackers is a common tradition during Diwali, especially among children.
8. Family gatherings and feasts: Families come together and enjoy feasts that feature traditional dishes from different regions of India.
9. Social gatherings: People visit friends, neighbors, and relatives to share sweets, gifts, and greetings.
10. Cultural programs and events: Many communities organize cultural programs, such as dance performances, music concerts, and fireworks displays.
11. New clothes: It is customary to wear new clothes on Diwali as a symbol of a fresh start and renewal.
12. Diwali greetings: People greet each other by saying "Diwali ki Shubhkamnaye" or "Happy Diwali."
Diwali is a time for celebration, joy, and togetherness. It brings families and communities closer and reinforces the values of love, kindness, and generosity.