DIWALI

Diwali is a diminutive outline of Deepavali which etymologically means “row of lights”. Hence, Diwali is the festive of lights. The name “Diwali” originated from a traditional lighting which involved lighting up of small oil lamps termed as ‘diyas’. This festival of lights falls on the fifteenth day of Kartik month and is enjoyed with gaiety and fervour.

As per the Indian communities, diyas are floated in streams and rivers, mostly in places outside the temples. Since, this is a day of celebration almost all the financial transactions stay closed on this particular day. Lakshmi- the goddess of wealth and prosperity and Lord Ganesh-god of wisdom and auspiciousness are revered during Diwali. During this auspicious day traditional sweets like naivedya are prepared and shared, even songs are chanted to praise the goddess.

All the simple rituals and traditions of Diwali have a lot of credo and significance. Apart from pomp and celebration of the return of Rama to Ayodhya, historically, the birth of Diwali traces back to ancient India, when this was considered as the most significant harvest festival. According to the legend, the goddess, Parvati played dice along with her mate; she affirmed that anyone who played gambling during this day would flourish throughout the coming year. Thereby, families even today come together and play dice, cards, and one-time games to commemorate this message.

India is popular worldwide for its festivals. Diwali celebration starts from Dusshera, this comes 20 days prior to Diwali. This day is celebrated with pomp and show as a victory day. As per the legend; Ravana was destroyed by Lord Rama on this particular day.

One can see the brilliantly decorated processions and tableaux which depicts various stages of the life of Rama as “Ramlila” drama. Thereby, Diwali is considered as a festival of happiness, brightness, splendour, and joy. Indians worldwide celebrate this festival with a lot of enthusiasm.

On the day of Diwali, everywhere in India, when dusk falls, one can view the spectacular lighting of flickering lamps that are adorned in rows in front of buildings, homes, and so on. During this day, people visit places of friends and relatives to convey their heart felt happiness by exchanging gifts.

This festival unites all members irrespective of the community they belong to, poor or rich, old and young, since the lighting of lamps represent their reverence to God to attain fame, peace, knowledge, wealth, and health. Most of the people bring in life to this festival by lighting diyas, bursting crackers, etc.