Date: The festival coincides with Hindu New year and light
Venue: India

“Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated by millions of people across the world every Autumn.
Marked with firework displays and family feasts, Diwali, is a five-day festival celebrated by millions of people across the world every Autumn.

The festival is observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, with its main theme the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Also known as the festivals of lights, houses are decorated with candles and colourful lights and people share gifts and recite prayers.
The festival coincides with Hindu New year and light, seen as a metaphor for self-improvement, represents new beginnings. Each faith has its own reasons to celebrate the festival, however, for many, Diwali celebrates the legend of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom in northern India from exile after defeating the demon king Ravanna in 15th century BC.

Diwali also pays tribute to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and lanterns are lit to guide her into people’s homes.

The five-day celebration occurs annually in October or November, the exact dates are dependent on the Hindu lunar calendar.

This year the actual day of Diwali will take place on Wednesday 11 November.

The eve of Diwali is known as Narak Chaturdasi, the day in which the demon Narakaasura met his death.

Celebrations carry on until the fifth day when Bhaiyadooj or Feast to brothers is observed. Here sisters invite their brothers to a meal, which includes their favourite dishes. The whole ceremony signifies the duty of a brother to protect his sister, as well as a sister’s blessings for her brother.”

Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/diwali-what-is-the-festival-of-lights-and-when-is-it-celebrated-a6720796.html