Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, which is celebrated every autumn. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance." During the celebration, temples, homes, shops and office buildings are brightly illuminated. The preparations, and rituals, for the festival typically last five days. During the height of celebrations, devotees adorn themselves in their finest clothes, illuminate the interior and exterior of their homes with diyas (oil lamps/candles), offer puja (prayer) to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, light fireworks and partake in family feasts, where mithai (sweets) and gifts are shared.