Facts about Diwali
To this day, Diwali is the common name used by North Indians for the festival while South Indians call it Deepavali.
Sikhs celebrate Diwali to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone for the Golden Temple in 1577.
Companies offer huge discounts during the Diwali season to attract customers, which help the economy.
The oldest use of the word "Diwali/Dipavali" occurs in Harivamsha-Purana written by Acharya Jinasena, composed in Shaka Samvat 705"
The Jains celebrate Diwali during the month of Kartik for three days.
Finally, many graffito dedications to Hermes have been found in the Athenian Agora, in keeping with his epithet of Agoraios and his role as patron of commerce.
The festival culminates with magnificent fireworks displays ushering in Diwali.
During Diwali, the Sikhs illuminate their Gurdwaras and homes with earthen oil lamps or candles.
Diwali celebrates this through festive fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing sweets, and worship.
The North Indian business community usually starts their financial new year on Diwali and new account books are opened on this day.
To the joy of the Sikhs the Guru returned to Amritsar on Diwali and it prompted the followers to celebrate the day with joy and happiness.
Diwali, also called Deepavali, known as the "Festival of Lights," is a major Hindu festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
Schools in India are closed during this festival, and many young people buy new clothes to wear during Diwali.
The Hindu Endowment Board of Singapore along with Singapores' government organize many cultural events around Diwali time.
The festival of Diwali is associated with several different stories in Hindu mythology.
To add to the festival of Diwali, fairs called Melas are held throughout India.