Deepavali Day 1- Dhanteras

Did you know that Deepavali is celebrated differently in different states of India? Or that it is only a single day celebration in the south and a 5 day celebration in many other parts of India? Growing up in South India I always wondered why some of my friends celebrated a different day as Deepavali. So, I m bringing to you the basic significance behind the celebrations and the beliefs associated with them.