Diwali is a Hindu Festival of Lights. It takes place on the dark night of the new moon in autumn and celebrates the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. To celebrate, we light lamps to represent the illumination of knowledge and awakening of our consciousness. The light represents all the good qualities we carry inside of ourselves; it is our soul, the only true reality.
With Her blessings, the light of Love in our hearts can be awakened so that it shines brighter in the world. It is a wonderful time to do a deep cleaning of your house to get ready to receive Maha-Lakshmi into your home. Many decorate their entrance with lanterns, small footprints and rangoli (colourful designs made with rice) as an invitation to the Divine Mother to come in and bestow Her material and spiritual boons.