Diwali is a four-day festival which includes the last two days of the month of Aswin and the first two days of Kartik. It is the New Year festival for those Hindus who follow the Vikram era and begin the year with Kartik as the first month.

One legend of the origin of the festival is that Rama, after the conquest of Lanka and the return to Ayodhya, was crowned king on this day.

While Diwali and Dhanteras in modern times are associated more with shopping and gifting; these festivals have more than one traditional significance rooted in Hindu mythology.

Lakshmi was the daughter of the sage Bhrigu and took refuge in the ocean of milk when the gods were sent into exile. Lakshmi was reborn during the churning of the Ocean. As soon as the gods saw Lakshmi, they all fell in love with her beauty.

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Shiva claimed Lakshmi as his wife, but since he had already taken the Moon, her hand was given to Vishnu, whom Lakshmi herself preferred.

Lakshmi is the goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth. While Laxmi is generally worshipped to achieve success, she does not reside long with anyone who is lazy or desire her only as wealth.

Festivals like Diwali and Dhanteras eulogise the spirit of liberation and happiness in every individual.