The darkest night of the year gave way to a glorious morning, as the Lord Rama returned with his wife and brothers to his ancestral kingdom of Avadha. Having rid the world of evil rulers, such as Ravana, the Lord established the most benevolent rule ever known to man. Diwali also celebrates the gracious nature of the three goddesses, Lakshmi, Kali and Saraswati. Lakshmi represents the boundless wealth of nature, health, intelligence, friends, family, long life, fame, fortune etc. Strength, physical, mental and spiritual, is essential for an individual as well as the nation in order to flourish.
Strength is essential for survival of any civilization.
Used positively, it is benevolent, misused, the same energy can be malevolent. Diwali itself is dedicated to goddess Saraswati. Knowledge is the ultimate wealth, for it can not be stolen from you, it is also the ultimate strength, for it often defeats brute force. Festival season proper starts on the eleventh day of Ashwin. Lamps are lit and sweets are made to welcome guests and Gods that may visit the house during the festival season.