Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the major festivals of Hindus and is celebrated all over India, especially Northern India with much pomp and splendor. Diwali in Delhi is a grand affair. Days before the actual day of the festival, the whole city wears a festive look and generally an ambience of fun and merriment pervades all over Delhi.

Traditionally Diwali is celebrated over a four-day period. The first day is known as Dhanteras. On this day, people usually buy a kitchen utensil or jewellery for the house as it is considered an auspicious day to buy something metallic on this day. The entrance of the house is decorated with mango leaves and marigolds. The next day is the Chhoti Diwali, also known as Kali Chaudas. The third night, the night of the Amavas is the main night. On this day, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth is worshiped in all homes. In some houses, there is a ritual of immersing a silver coin in a tumbler of milk. The milk is then sprinkled lightly in the rooms of the house. The Prashad is kept in front of the idol throughout the night. The evening sees firecrackers being burst by children and adults alike. Over the years, firecrackers have evolved from the simplistic phuljharis and anars to highly advanced pyrotechnics.

The festival of Diwali is preceded by frantic spring-cleaning as most people reserve this time for whitewashing and redecorating their homes. Shops stock up with new goods as generally people buy new things during this period such as clothes, electronic appliances etc. Most of the big companies also offer super discounts and bonanzas to encourage more consumption. The festival of Diwali is marked by the exchange of gifts between friends and families. Companies give bonuses to their employees on this day. Overall, the festival of Diwali is a time for joyous celebration for all the different types of communities living in Delhi.