Diwali is one of India’s brightest and most joyous festivals. It is celebrated to mark the homecoming of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and his victory over Ravana in Lanka. Today, Diwali is also a time for happiness, family gatherings, feasting and fireworks. Everywhere you go, homes are decorated with small glowing diyas on porches, windows and balconies, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

Diwali is also a time for creativity at home. One popular tradition is drawing rangoli at the entrance. Women and children often make these colourful patterns using powdered colours, rice, or flower petals. Rangolis represent new beginnings, prosperity and beauty and they welcome positivity into the home.

Another common Diwali decoration is the lantern, made from coloured paper and bamboo. Making a lantern is simple but fun. People cut and stick paper into various shapes on bamboo frames, often adding greetings like ‘Happy Diwali’. Light bulbs or candles inside the lanterns symbolize brightness, hope and prosperity in our lives.

In many villages, families come together to build mud forts in their courtyards. They create realistic forts with clay statues of soldiers, kings and animals. These forts represent the victory of good over evil, reminding everyone that courage, unity and righteousness always triumph.

Diwali today is not just about rituals; it is also about sharing happiness, spreading light and making memories with family and friends. It teaches us the importance of goodness, creativity and togetherness in our lives.