Feasts, fireworks, friends and family - Diwali's festival of lights is a millennia-old religious and cultural tradition that celebrates more than just the defeating of evil spirits with an abundance of light, it is also a time where knowledge triumphs over ignorance, and the Indian nation enters a New Year with a new harvest and new fortunes. Diwali is India's No.1 national holiday, a day observed and enjoyed by more than 1.7 billion people globally, and the largest multi-faith celebration on earth.

This Little Guide to Diwali shines a brilliant and pure light of illumination on this incredible festive celebration with more than 175 easy-to-remember (and hard-to-forget) facts, quotes and trivia about Diwali's deep-rooted origins and traditions, serving as an ideal introductory reader to those wishing to learn more, as well as the ultimate gift for those who already observe this happy, holy holiday every year.

So, put on your kurtas and saris, light up your diyas, unwrap your mithai and wrap up your uphaar, because it's time for the festival of lights to begin. Shubh Deepavali!

SAMPLE CONTENT

"Let's not only celebrate with lights but also with the light of wisdom."

Mahatma Gandhi

"Diwali is about setting goals, not accumulating gold. As Lakshmi comes from Lakshya, meaning Goal."

Tapan Ghosh

Diwali is celebrated over five days, with each day observing its own unique traditions.

While Diwali is primarily a festival celebrated by Hindus it is also celebrated by Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists with each religion honouring different origins and traditions.