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India is the land of festivals but
Diwali is one of the few grandest Indian festival celebrated all over India with
equal enthusiasm and zeal. Diwali Festival is the abbreviation of the Sanskrit word
'Deepavali', which means 'rows of lights'. One of the major Hindu festivals, it
is celebrated to commemorate the returning of Rama and Sita to their kingdom Ayodhya
after fourteen years of exile. Though, Diwali is mainly a five- day festival but
we can see people preparing Diwali weeks ahead by cleaning and decorating their
households. The main festival day falls on the no-moon day of the dark half of Kartik,
according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
Celebrated with vigour and gaiety by people of every religion Deepavali, its magical
and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity. Innumerable lamps
are lit on the roofs and windowsills of the houses, thus, giving an ethereal and
almost divine look to the whole scenario. It is said that Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth
roams the earth on this day and enters the house that is pure, clean and brightly
illuminated. Young and old, men and women, all dress up in new clothes and buy new
utensils on this day. They worship the deities, Lakshmi and Ganesha, and share sweets
and gifts with their relatives and friends. It is also the beginning of the new
financial year for the business community. However, it is the crackers and the fireworks
that attract the kids the most and form the highlight of the festival.
Deepawali symbolises the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness.
It is the celebartion of victory of good over evil - and the glory of light.
Diwali this year will be on - Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Diwali Dates -
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