Diwali: The festival of lights

Diwali also known as Deepavali  is  an important festival for Hindus. It is one of the most famous festivals in India. The word Deepavali means an array of lights. ( Deep- Lamp, Aavali- Array). Thus it is also well known as  the "festival of lights", It  is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year.  


Diwali  extends over a period of five days. The main festival night  falls on the previous day of the  new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. In the Gregorian calendar, the festival it is celebrated  between mid-October and mid-November and this year the festival is celebrated in India on October,22.  

diwali,deepavali,festival of light


Diwali is closely related with India’s two classic epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. According to mythology, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate Rama’s return from exile at the end of fourteen years. It is also in memory of the destruction of the demon called Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Thus, the festival symbolizes   the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.


Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes. On Diwali night, people put on new clothes and light up lamps and candles. Special prayers take place. Sweets are then served followed by bursting of crackers. Diwali also marks a major shopping period in nations where it is celebrated. 

 

 

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