Diwali (or Deepavali), the Festival of Lights symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and joy over despair. On the third, most auspicious day Goddess Lakshmi is invoked to invite prosperity and wealth into the home.
Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu, who is the preserver of the cosmic order, or dharma. As Vishnu’s shakti, or power, Lakshmi is his equal and an integral part of his being.
To welcome the goddess on Diwali, Hindus clean their houses, decorate them with finery and lights, and prepare sweet treats and delicacies as offerings.
The upper two of her four hands are holding lotus flowers, while her lower right hand is upraised in the “do not be afraid” gesture, or abhaya mudra. Her lower left hand is pointed downward with her palm facing out showering wealth.
