The Festival of Lights, Deepawali or Diwali is a celebration that symbolizes the victory of justice and the lifting of spiritual darkness. The word "Deepawali" refers to rows of ‘diyas’, or lamps of clay. This is one of the most famous festivals of the Hindu calendar and stretches back more than 2500 years ago. In India, there is a five-day celebration to mark the biggest holiday of the year.

Ancient Origin
The festivities commence on the darkest night (first night of the new moon) in the month of ‘Kartik’, according to the Hindi calendar. Diwali commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile. During another holiday, known as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami, the myths about Rama and Ravana are told as detailed in the epic, Ramayana. Small oil lamps made of clay and flames are auspicious Diwali symbols. Hence, lighting oil lamps on this day has been a long-standing tradition. Other Diwali rituals include exchanging gifts, feasting on traditional sweets and wearing new clothes.

Modern Celebrations
A time for joy and gratitude, spectacular light displays, and colourful garlands decorations can be found adorning the streets and temples in several countries. People decorate their houses and workplaces with tiny electric lights or small clay oil lamps. Beautiful bowls of water with candles and flowers floating on the surface are also popular adornments. Fireworks and crackers are set off at many places during the night. In small towns and villages, fairs and carnivals are also held. Since the traditional lunar calendar can be interpreted in different ways, many regions in India celebrate may celebrate it on dissimilar dates.

Diwali Gifting
The festival of Diwali is a great time to socialise and meet up with other people. It is also one of the biggest Diwali gifting occasions in several countries like India, Nepal, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Singapore, United Kingdom and more. Specially prepared sweets are exchanged with friends, family and acquaintances. Gift hampers filled with delightful goodies, organic delights, or your favourite teas have turned into a kind of modern Diwali ritual.



Here is a list of the most popular Diwali gifting options to make your loved ones feel more special.

• Dry Fruits – More health-conscious individuals are turning to dry fruits for both gifting and consumption. Dry fruits and nuts like raisins, almonds, cashews, pistachios, and dates are highly favoured by shoppers. Packed with proteins, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre, dates are beneficial for health.

• Home Décor – With people trying to get creative with home décor each year, traditional Diwali decoration items as well as modern ones are greatly appreciated as gifts.

• Mithai or Sweets - Whether you eat them for Diwali or throughout the year, sweets form a major part of celebrations. Delectable sweet treats like Gulab Jamun, Kaju Barfi, Rasmalai, Peda, Rasgulla, Phirni, and Gajar Halwa are some of the festive favourites during this season.

• Chocolates - When it comes to the festival of Diwali, anything sweet is considered auspicious. After Mithai, exotic chocolates have become a raging crowd-favourite for gifting.

• Flowers – A gift of fresh and beautiful flowers not only brings an instant smile on the recipient’s face but also enhances the grace of the festival.