Diwali is a five day Festival, this year the dates falls on following days as per Hindu Calendar

DHANTERAS:  15^thOctober 2009    ¤The first day of Diwali is called the Dhanteras, Dhanwantari Triodasi or Dhantryaodashi, which falls on the thirteenthday of the month of Ashwin

CHOTI  DIWALI:  16^thOctober 2009    ¤The second day is called the Narak Chaturdasi. It is the Choti Diwali celebration. On this day Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from evil power.

DIWALI: 17^thOctober 2009    ¤The third and the most important day of Diwali (Deepavali) is marked with Lakshmi Puja. It is the main day of celebration. On this day Goddess Laxmi is worshipped.

GOVERDHAN POOJA: 18^th October 2009    ¤The fourth day of Diwali is called Padwa or VarshaPratipada and Govardhan Puja, that marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya and Vikaram-Samvat was started from this Padwa day. On this day, Govardhan Pooja is performed.

BHAI DOOJ:  19^thOctober 2009    ¤The fifth day of Diwali is celebrated as Bhai Duj or Bhratri Dooj. This is the day after Goverdhan Pooja is performed and normally two days after Diwali.

  The name Diwali signifies 'rows of lighted lamps'. Diwali is regarded as one of the most important festival of the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated across the India with great excitement. The festival is mainly associated with lights as it is called the festival of light. On the day of the festival diyas are lit in everybody's home.

  Diwali is a five-day festival, beginning on the 15th day of the Hindu calendar month of Kartika (Ashwin). Diwali falls in October or November. Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu  New Year and is celebrated with the lighting of lamps and candles, and lots of fireworks.

  People decorate their home with beautiful diyas and making rangoli pattern in the courtyard and in front of the gate. They put flowers and mango leaves on their doors and windows. Diyas and candles are placed on rooftops, rooms, and kitchen and even in the bathrooms.

  On this day, people worship Lord Ganesha, the foremost of all Hindu Gods and Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. It is time to exchange gifts and sweets with friends, relatives and neighbors.