Some Hindus give alms, take vows, or go on pilgrimages at special times during the year. One important festival observed by many Hindus is the festival of Diwali, or the Hindu New Year. Diwali, or sometimes spelled Divali, is celebrated late October or early November. Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, is the honored deity of this festival. This is a time to visit friends and family, clean, and to give gifts and cards.
People decorate their homes with flowers and bake sweet treats.
These treats are made into the shapes of flowers, human beings, and animals. Some people have said that these candies taste similar to maple sugar candy made in the United States. On this day, many Hindus start the day with a cleansing ritual. After a bath, they then put on their finest clothing. Most clean house and some even go as far as to white wash their homes on this day.