Deepavali (Oct-Nov)

Deepavali -The Festival of Lights

Deepavali is celebrated all over India. The last three days of the month of Ashwija is the beginning of Deepavali. It is celebrated for 4 days starting from Triyodashi (13th day of the 2nd half of Ashiwija month,  Krishna Paksha/waning moon phase, meaning two days before the new moon day).

Neeru tubuva Habba

First day, the celebrations begin by cleaning homes and surroundings and decorating entrances with large welcome rangolis (rangavalli.). Special importance is given to cleaning the bathrooms. Pooja is offered with haldadi kumum, akshatae (turmeric colored rice) and flowers to the boilers and faucets and even decorating the area with rangoli is common.This is more or less prepping the whole bathroom for everyone in the household to have an early morning bath (that too oil bath). Its a time of great anticipation for children as they probably receive their share of fire crackers and new clothes that day

Naraka Chaturdashi

Next day is Naraka Chathurdashi (14th day). The demon Karthikeyarjuna, nicknamed Naraka for his evilness,was killed by Lord Krishna with Satyabama's assistance on this day. Oil bath needs to be taken because Narakasura is dead. The darkness/ignorance called Naraka enveloping the world is lifted and celebrations begin. Before sunrise elders light oil lamps on the porch and wake up children to take oil bath and wear new clothes. It is believed that taking a bath on Naraka Charturdashi before sunrise is equal to taking a bath in holy Gamga. After pooja, firecrackers are burst during the pre-dawn hours, heralding the defeat of Naraka, victory of good over evil, light over darknes.

Deepavali Amasae

This is the festival linked new moon day. It is believed that Lakshmi travels and visits homes on the wings of an old owl after mid night. Being a new moon day it is dark and owl being the transportation, you never know whose house she will visit. It is very common to do Dhana Lakshmi pooja on the evening of Deepavali amavasae.

Balipadyami

Balindra, the grandson of Prahalada (son of Hiranyakashipu) is commemorated on this day. In Vamana avatara, Vamana's third step was placed on Balindra and in so pushing him to Patala loka (below the earth's surface). Balindra was a righteous king and all his kingdom was prosperous and happy during his reign. It is believed that on this day Krishna brings Baliindra to visit his kingdom. Many households offer Balindra pooja on this day as well. It is a joyous day to celebrate, brust crackers, light diyas on the front porch, wear new clothes and enjoy all the good things in life.

The festival fever continues even after Deepavali as Hindus light diyas on their front porches for next 15 days  till Kartika Poornima Festival which is also known as Kiru-Deepavali.
Also see http://festivalsandmore.blogspot.com/search/Label/Nov-Dec Festivals