Diwali or more aptly Deepavali, meaning 'row of lights' symbolizes the age-old Vedic culture of India which teaches us to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. The lighting of lamps is a way of paying obeisance to God for attainment of health, devotion, knowledge, and peace. This festival also symbolizes the unity in diversity as every state in India celebrates in its own special ways. 

The celebration of the five-day festival commences on Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi. On this day one diya is lit to commence the auspicious festival. 

The second day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna. Two diyas are lit to continue the rest of the festival. 

The third day is on the night of Amavasya when Lakshmi-Puja is performed and is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi would be in Her benevolent mood and would fulfill all the wishes of Her devotees. However, in the northern part of India Diwali is celebrated as the return of Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana from his 14 years of exile and after killing Ravana. To commemorate His return to Ayodhya, his subjects illuminated the kingdom and firecrackers were set off. 

The fourth day is "Kartika Shudda Padyami" and is also known as Govardhana Puja.  As the story goes, the people of Vrindavana would always have a celebration for Lord Indra until Lord Krsna asked them not to and worship the Govardhana Hill instead. In his anger, Lord Indra released his anger on the inhabitants of Vrindavana.  The Lord then lifted the Govardhana Hill as an umbrella for the people of Vrindavana and their cattle.  Therefore all the cows are also decorated and Go-Puja also takes place on this auspicious day. 

The fifth day is referred to as "Yama Dvitiya", or Bhai-dhuj.  Yami or Yamaraja was called to his sister’s home Yamuna, where she offered arati and a small gift for her brother. Yama then told her that on this day brothers would be invited to their sisters’ home and in return the brother would bring a gift for his sister. Until today this tradition is maintained with great love.

At ISKCON Toronto Diwali was celebrated on the 29th of October. To find out how celebrations went and what happened on that festive night where Diwali was celebrated at ISKCON Torono, click here!.  Hare Krsna!!!