Q:
A: yes we do. It starts a month prior to the date.With cleaning, then cooking/ making sweets. Buying clothes for charity to be given with boxes of sweets. Then buy things for family. House is clean, decorated and ready before Dhanteras. 13th Day of Moon. On Dhanteras, we buy a token silver coin with Sri Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi for the celebration. Lights are put up and we start lighting. Bhoot Chaturdashi 14th Day of Moon: Light 14 Diyas And keep them all night to presumably remove evil spirits. What we do on the day, Diwali Day: Bathe and dress in new clothes. Keep plates of sweets and gifts for all Set the Puja are for evening prayers Do a Rangoli outside and where we do puja. Cook a special meal. Evening Puja of Lord Ganesha and Lakshmiji. Lighting of lamps. Exchange gifts and sweets. Sit with family and friends We do not light crackers. Next morning. New Year in some parts. It is 1st Day of New Moon. We distribute Charity Day 2 of New Moon. Next day is Bhai Dooj. Look after brothers and pray for them. Next 2 days continue in exchange between friends and family. 5th Day of New Moon: Labh Pancham. Shops open with new books. This is in brief. Oh how good it sounds. It does not show the labour or pleasure that go behind these words. Happy Diwali* for coming Diwali Everyone !