Deepavali is one of the most important festival of Hindus. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm through the length and breadth of India and also in many other countries including in Mauritius where I live.
It's a Festival of Lights. Many legends are associated with this festival, it marks the victory of Lord Rama, the Seventh Avatar ( incarnation of Lord Vishnu) over the demon king Ravana. As a matter of fact, Deepavali is the symbol of the victory of forces of good over evil.
The villagers of Ayodhya, (where Lord Rama was born) welcomed Lord Rama, Lakshmana( the brother of Lord Rama), and Goddess Sita( the wife of Lord Rama) by decorating and illuminating their village with oil lamps.
It is said that the Jainas also celebrate this day because Lord Mahavira attained salvation on the same day. And Maha Rishi Dayanand also attained Nirvana in this same auspicious day.
In some places Goddess Kali too is being worshipped during the Deepavali festival. As the lights keep away the darkness, Goddess Kali drives away the evil forces in our world. The Goddess Lukshmi ( Goddess of wealth and prosperity) is also worshipped on this occasion.
They say prayers, so that Goddess Lukshmi may visit their houses. Lord Ganesha ( the elder son of Lord Shiva) is also worshipped for Lord Ganesha is the result of the mergence of matter and energy. He represents the Creative Intelligence. Before creation, intelligence is neutral all by itself, and Lord Rama defeated the demon king using His Creative Intelligence.
Deepavali festival now is being celebrated all over the world among friends and relatives. Thus this festival also creates a sense of oneness among people. It becomes the symbol of Unity. This festival has been celebrating for thousand of years and continue to celebrate in LOVE and ONENESS.
Love you all and wish you all a happy and pious Deepavali