India is a country known for its rich and diverse cultures. A number of festivals and feasts are celebrated throughout the year by the people following different religions. Among them the most significant festival for the Hindus, Sikhs and Jains is the Diwali. Diwali also called Deepavali is celebrated across the length and breadth of the country with much great zeal, grandeur and enthusiasm.
Although three are many mythological stories associated with Diwali it symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and ascendency of ignorance over knowledge. During Diwali people wear new clothes, share sweets, lit their homes with oil lamps and burst crackers. Many business communities also start their new financial year on Diwali. Diwali also marks the end of the harvest season in most parts of India and on this day farmers thank God’s for the bounty and pray for a good harvest in the coming New Year. The most popular story associated with Diwali is the returning of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after completing 14 years in exile and defeating Ravana. In West Bengal Goddess kali is worshipped during Diwali.
Why Deepavali is Celebrated in INDIA?
Diwali is celebrated for five days with each day having its own significance. The first day is the Dhanteras where dhan means wealth. It is considered auspicious day for starting new business and buying utensils, home products, and gold, silver etc. The second day of the festival is called Naraka Chaturdasi. It commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Naraka. On this day there is a custom of oil bath were people take oil bath before sunrise. The third day is celebrated as Laxmi puja. Laxmi the goddess of wealth and prosperity is worshipped on this day. On this day people clean and decorate their homes with rangoli and light earthen oil lamps to welcome the goddess of wealth. Firecrackers are also burst during Diwali to keep away evil spirits. Diwali is the last day of financial year in traditional Hindu business and is the festival when the new business year begins. Amavasya the third day of Diwali also tells the story of Lord Vishnu who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished Bali and banished him to hell. It is on the fourth day called the Kartika Shudda Padyami that Bali comes back from hell and starts ruling the earth. On this day Govardhan Puja is also performed in northern parts of the country. The fifth day is the Bhai Dooj.On this day sister’s invite their brother's to their house.
How Diwali is Celebrated in INDIA?
The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India spreading magic and radiance across the country. It is a festival that unites whole of India irrespective of their cast, creed or colour. The festival of lights brings people closer forgetting all their worries and enmities. So whatever the legend or myth behind the festival it ultimately symbolizes victory of righteousness and goodness and a festival that spreads happiness and togetherness.