diwali usually falls in october or november depending on the moon. diwali is a time of celebration of the triumph and victory of good over evil. in durban, people start a week ahead preparing sweetmeats and baking treats. on diwali day in durban hindus have an oil bath which is rubbed on their body by the elder of the family. the oil is to cleanse the body of evil forces and bring fortune and purity to their thoughts and actions. thereafter they put on new clothes and distribute parcels and gifts to family and friends. there is an exchange of diwali parcels or gifts. people also decorate their houses and light clay lamps in rows and display them. the light is the significance of the good over evil, as the darkness represents evil. at night there is a firework display which is the highlight of the celebration, the arrays of light over the sky is the victory celebrated.