Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit fusion word Dīpāvali, formed from dīpa ("light" or "lamp") and āvalī ( "series, line, row"). Dīpāvali or Deepavali thus meant a "row" or "series of lights". 

The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.
 
You will remember Dr Mugda Phadke, a member of the Indian GSE Team who visited us a couple of years ago. Mugda and her husband Sandip have sent us this lovely greeting.