‘Deepam’ means ‘clay lamp’ and ‘avali’ means arranged in an order. Deepavali means “row of small oil lamps” (clay oil lamps).Hence, the name Deepavali.
Deepavali is a large family celebration that often involves extended families coming together or a large meal and the exchange of presents.
Deepavali is known as the “festival of lights” and marks the time when millions of Hindus across the world  celebrate the festival. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Deepavali, symbolises the spiritual victory of “light over darkness”, “good over evil”, and “knowledge over ignorance”.  Triumph of good over evil.

Deepavali is also known as “Deepavali and Diwali”.
Hindus celebrate Deepavali with beautiful rituals such as festive lights, fireworks, consuming of sweet delicacies and family gatherings.
Food is a major part of celebrations of  Deepavali. During the festival, friends and relatives exchange sweets.

The Deepavali Stories

Let us now delve into the Deepavali stories, history and traditions, to find out how Deepavali is celebrated and how you can take part in the magical festivities.
There are many interesting stories related to the origin of Deepavali.
Let us focus on the very important stories to know more about Deepavali.
According to one Hindu mythology,  Deepavali is the day Lord Rama returned to his homeland Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The villagers lit a path for Rama, who had defeated the demon king Ravana.

As the Goddess of prosperity,wealth and fertility, the romantic Deepavali story says that she chose “Lord Vishnu”, one of Hinduism’s most important deities, to be her husband in the night of Deepavali.
As per the Hindu mythology Deepavali also marks the day of “Vamana Avatar” of Lord Vishnu.
Final story is that of “The Return of the Pandava brothers.
The Pandava refers to the five brothers namely, Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, who are five acknowledged sons of Pandu and are central of the epic Mahabharata.

Different Traditions

There are many different traditions that surround this festival and it is considered as important time for “ Introspection, cleaning, decorating, gathering and for worship.
“A clean house equals wealth”. According to popular Hindu belief, deities will shower blessings to those with clean homes; the cleaner, the better.

Conclusion 

Based on the stories on Deepavali as illustrated above, there are many lessons that we can learn to benefit our daily living. My message to you on this holy festival day is “Be prepared, be focused, be firm, be responsible, be resilient, be victorious and be joyous”.
No matter how little their light is, they can still light up the whole world and bring us out of our dark agonies.
May the lights of Deepavali play your such a role in your life.
These warm Deepavali wishes are for you to bring you joy and happiness.

I hope that Goddess Lakshmi will fulfill all your dreams.
You may wish your friends and relatives in the following manner;
“Enadhu Iniya Deepath Thirunaal Nal Vaalthugal” meaning “My pleasant wishes on the festival of Lights day” or simply by stating “Iniya Deepavali Nal Vaalthugal “, meaning “Pleasant Deepavali Wishes”.
Wish you and the family a very happy, memorable and wealthy  Deepavali.
Finally, let us welcome a “new life” full of “light and wealth”.

(The writer was the Former Senior Advisor and the Senior Lecturer at Sri Ponnambalawanesvarar Hindu Religious School and Former President of Youth League for Sanathana Dharmic Perception (YLSDP), Sri Lanka. He is a Life Transformational and Life Management Coach).