Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights. I've gathered it's like Thanksgiving and New Year in the USA, but religious. Diwali signifies the defeat of Rama over Ravana, good over evil, light over darkness. On Diwali you start anew, wear new clothes, and blow things up.
Fireworks are an essential part of the Diwali experience. For three solid days, people shot off fireworks at all hours. Street vendors sold them, from the small loud ones to the giant fireworks like the ones we'd see in the US on the 4th. We had a great view from our hotel. Check out this video I took from our balcony: