DIWALI
FESTIVALS OF INDIA – DIWALI
Diwali or Deepavali, popular known as the “festival of lights”, is an important five-day festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism also, celebrated for different reasons, occurring between October or November. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the very important festival. It is celebrated in families by performing different activities together in their homes, by lighting “diyas” and burning crackers and praying to Goddess Lakshmi.
Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, from his 14-year-long exile and the demon-king Ravana. In this celebration of the return of their King Ram, the people of Ayodhya (the Capital) decorated the kingdom with lightings as a gesture of welcome on his victory. The festival starts with Dhanteras, on this day mostly Indian business communities start their financial year. The next day after Diwali, is known as Bhai Dooj.
The name “Diwali” is a contraction of “Deepavali” , which translates into “row of lamps”. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas or deepas),filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends and burst Firecrakers also.
