Deepawali is a significant festival in Hinduism. It is also called Tihar in Nepal and Diwali in northern India. Many legends are associated with this festival. Today it is not only celebrated by Hindus but also by Jains, and Sikhs across the globe as the Festival of Lights, where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. Deepawali is celebrated on the new moon day (approx fifteenth day) of the month Kartika.
Its followers believe that it is the homecoming of Lord Ram of Ayodhya, after a 14-year exile in the forest, after he defeated the evil and demonic Ravan. The people of Ayodhya welcomed Ram by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (deepa), thus its name: Deepawali.
The festival is also celebrated by Buddhists of Nepal, where majority of Hindus live, particularly the Newar Buddhists.In Nepal and India, Deepawali is considered to be a national festival, and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by most Nepalese and Indians regardless of faith.
