Lit. row of lights) is an important Hindu and Sikh holiday. It is celebrated in honor of the goddess of wealth Lakshmi, lasts 4-5 days in October or November. In northern India, the holiday is also the beginning of the liturgical year. It is the day of Divine Light and the end of darkness – the glory and victory of divine forces. Most schools are closed for the whole week, gifts are given, new clothes are bought, houses are cleaned and everything is decorated with lights.