Deepavali is one of the grandest Hindu celebrations of Sri Lanka. The festival of lights which symbolizes the victory of good forces over the evil ones when Lord Rama defeated Demon King, Ravana. This holiday has particular significance in Sri Lanka, as the famous epic of Ramayana, which is behind the legend, partially takes place in Lankapura (Sri Lanka).
Deepavali is a public holiday in Sri Lanka, but it's mostly celebrated by the Sri Lankan Tamils. Traditional rituals include lighting off small lamps to banish evel spirits. The lamps symbolise hope for a bright future. People wear new clothes and exchange gifts.
Fireworks are common during the festival. Tamil community is spread in different areas of the island but mostly concentrated in the northern part.
