Diwali in India

Diwali in 2009 is on Saturday, the 17th of October



India is the land of festivals and Diwali is one of the grandest festival celebrated in India. It is a continuous five day celebration that occurs on the fifteenth day in the Hindu month of Kartika. The word 'Diwali' is a Sanskrit word meaning 'Deepavali' - Deepa meaning light and Avali, meaning a row. The day is popularly refereed to as the 'Festival of Lights'. It represents the victory of light over the darkness. Even the countries like Gkyena, Thailand, Trinidad, Siam and Malaya celebrate this with great zeal and enthusiasm.

Diwali signifies different things to people all across the world. In northern part, Diwali celebrates the homecoming of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya after the period of fourteen years. In Gujrat, he festival honors Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. In Nepal, it commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakaasura, while in Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali.

Diwali is being celebrated in India since time immemorial. It is the same day when Lord Rama returned back to hid kingdom Ayodhya after winning the fierce battle with 'King of Demons' – Ravana. Lord Rama was asked by his father Dashrath to spend fourteen years of his life in the wild forests. During their stay in the forests, Lanka King, abducted his wife Maa Sita. The festival of Diwali marks his victorious return return of Lord Rama along with Hanuman- the Vanar king who helped him in achieving success.

Diwali celebration takes place with lot of joy and oomph in almost all the regions of the country. People renovate and decorate their houses, shops and work places. Entrances are given traditional look with the with the lovely Rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Diyas and candles are kept burning all through the nights.

During the evening Lakshmi Puja is performed by all the family members. People welcome her to their homes and pray for the attainment of health,knowledge, peace and wealth. They burst crackers and invite their near and dear ones to their house holds for partaking in the grand feast and celebrations. It is also marked as the beginning of new Hindu New Year. It is celebrated for the period of five days, Each day having its own significance and value. In the remote areas, cattle's are adorned and worshiped by the farmers as they are the main source of income for them. In the southern parts of the country, cows are offered special veneration as they are considered as the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.

Like all other festivals in India, Diwali has its share of traditional clothing. Markets are flooded with new costumes and large variety of gift items. Women are seen purchasing lot of gold and silver jewelery especially for this occasion. Diwali gifts are exchanged among the relatives and close friends.

Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is the most glamorous festival, celebrated by every one irrespective of any religion or caste.

Diwali in 2009 is on Saturday, the 17th of October

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