As Diwali 2008 is about to start (October 28), the BBC shares Some Diwali Basics with us as well as ways for British schools to get kids to know about it.

Basic Diwali facts I picked from the article:

"The word Diwali means "rows of lighted lamps" and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights because of the common practice of lighting small oil lamps (called diyas) and placing them around the home, in courtyards and in gardens, as well as on roof-tops and outer walls.

During this time, homes are thoroughly cleaned, windows are opened and diyas are lit as a greeting to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth. In urban areas candles or electric lights are often substituted for diyas. During Diwali, gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared. The celebration means as much to Hindus as Christmas does to Christians. Because there are many regions in India, there are many different versions of the Diwali festival."





As I mentioned in 2007, the holiday season usually sees the release of a number of movies hoping to break through.

No big hype this year according to Diwali 2008: Four movie releases (Business of Cinema).

Amongst the 4 movies released on October 24 and October 29, Roadside Romeo is an animated movie which they feel "has limited appeal and is releasing only in multiplexes."

In a different niche Fashion sees Priyanka Chopra in a serious drama in a city setting and aims for the more urban crowd, they feel.

The other 2 releases are Heroes and Golmaal Returns (picture below), they describe the first as as a patriotic flick and the second as a comic caper with a dance soundtrack to match.

In the US, many locales have already held festivities over the week-end.

Related: Is 'Om Shanti Om' the Hot Diwali Film Release?