On this day old lamps are thrown out and a new lamp are bought. New lamps are thought to help the souls of the dead find their way to heaven. The festival also commemorates the coronation of Prince Rama. When Rama arrives at the end of 14 years of banishment, Hindus rejoice because Rama has conquered Ravana. He has conquered evil and good has triumphed.
People show their happiness and joy by lighting lamps in praise of Rama.
Hindus believe that the souls of ancestors come to visit their homes on the new moon day of Diwali. Lamps are lit to guide the departed souls on their way. It is interesting to note that Diwali almost coincides with Halloween, which takes place on 31 October, and that Halloween in Europe is also traditionally associated with spirits and the dead. Diwali is also associated with the Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. It is the day when Lakshmi is supposed to have emerged from the milky ocean to bring prosperity to the world.