What is Diwali and how to celebrate the festival of lights?

The much-awaited festival of light is here. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated across India with great enthusiasm as it symbolises the victory of good over evil. Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Dipavali’, which means a row of lights, Diwali has been celebrated since time immemorial.
Diwali is celebrated 20 days after Lord Ram killed Ravana (Dusshera) and rescued Sita from captivity in Lanka. The celebration marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodha after 14 years of exile. To welcome Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman, the entire city was decked up and the people decorated the city with diyas (earthen lamps) to welcome their king.