DEEPAVALI and Diwali, although spelled differently, are both commemorated as the "Festival of Lights." Both are known as the 'Feast of Lights,' but the more precise term is Deepavali, which is derived from Sanskrit and means 'a line of lamps. However, in North India, the word Diwali is commonly used.

While in North India, Deepavali is seen as an occasion to celebrate Ram's return to his kingdom after his 14 years of exile after killing the demon Ravan, in South India, including Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Lord Krishna's and Goddess Satyabhama's triumph over the demon Narakasura.