Festivals of India - Deepawali

 

 

 

Wishing you all

a very Happy and Prosperous

Deepawali !!

Deepavali marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the Lunar Calendar. It literally  means 'Row of Lights' It celebrates the victory of Goodness over Evil and Light over Darkness - it ushers in the new year. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes.

Deepavali also marks the end of the harvest season in most of India. Farmers give thanks for the bounty of the year gone by, and pray for a good harvest for the year to come. Traditionally this marked the closing of accounts for businesses dependent on the agrarian cycle, and is the last major celebration before winter. Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead. ...

 

Diwali - The Festival of Light,  the festival of joy, happiness, fireworks and sweets.

 

Each year on the dawn of Ammavaasa in the month Kartik the glittering diyas ,the dazzling fireworks, sounds of crackers announces the arrival of the most vibrant festival of Diwali. This 5 day long Hindu festival is celebrated throughout the world with great zeal and fanaticism .Diwali or deepavali is the festival signifying the victory of good against evil.

People from all religions forget their differences and get together to celebrate this vivacious festival of lights. Every home, be it a hut or a mansion is decorated with illuminating Diyas and candles. The entrances are ornamented with flowers and rangolis to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People wear new clothes, exchange gifts and sweets with each other.

Dhanteras sets the beginning of the festival. Then comes Narakachaturdasi, which symbolizes Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasur. The main Diwali day is devoted to the worship of Goddess lakshmi. The fourth day is celebrated as Parewa or the New Year Day. The last day or Bhai Duj is observed as a symbol of love between sisters and brothers.