Deepawali ( Diwali )

Diwali is a "festival of lights" which is celebrated by Hindus. It symbolizes the victory of dharma, and good over evil.
The word is a variation of the Sanskrit word "Deepavali" and refers to the rows of earthen lamps celebrants place around their homes. 

Hindus believe that the light from these lamps symbolizes the illumination within the individual that overwhelms ignorance, represented by darkness.

Diwali is celebrated on the return of the avatar Lord Ram (the incarnation of Lord Vishnu), his wife Sita and brother Lakshman to their capital, Ayodhya, after 14 years of exile.The residents of Ayodhya, overjoyed at the return of their beloved king, lit lamps in his honor. Thus, the entire city looked like a row of lights.

 
The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the second day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees.

Diwali is usually celebrated during the evenings with fireworks and diyas.
However, in Andhra Pradesh, the festivities start out at the crack of dawn and carry on well into the night. Most people make a trip to the local temple along with their families to seek the blessings of their respective Gods. The night sky is lit up with a scintillating array of noisy fireworks.

Homes are lit up with hundreds of diyas and colorful Diwali Rangolis (link) adorn the doorways.
Children get new clothes to wear, delicious food to eat and for once,they are allowed to make much noise.
Often beginning almost a month before Deepawali Sales of expensive silk saris, jewelry,
ornaments, and household goods increase. From the poor to the rich, everyone indulges in the largest shopping spree of the year. Sweets, which are an integral part of any festival in Andhra Pradesh, are prepared or purchased from shops. Diwali is also called as Festival of Sweets.