|
| CelebrationsinWorld » Festivals of India » Diwali |
Diwali |
Diwali is one of the most significant festivals for the Hindus which have managed to be popular not only in India, but also elsewhere owing to its uniqueness and specialty. It is also called as Deepawali and is more known as the festival of lights among the non- Hindu communities as well as outside India. Diwali generally coincides in the month of October – November. It is celebrated as a festival signifying the victory of good over evil and therefore numerous festivities mark the occasion, and this is the most important element of the festival.
Like most Hindu festivals, there are several legends and theories associated with the celebrations of Deepawali. A few of the most popular ones have been mentioned for you. |
|
|
According to one particular theory, this day is celebrated as the day when lord Rama returned to his kingdom (Ayodhya) after his exile and after having won against the evil Ravana. Thus this day marks his homecoming and therefore sweets and goodies are distributed among friends and relatives and oil lamps are lit in every corner of the country to brighten up the ambiance.
Deepawali is also believed to have been celebrated in the ancient societies as a harvest festival.
It marked the last harvest of the year and paved thye path for a new year. Even today in many communities, especially the businessmen, Diwali marks the beginning of a new financial year. Goddess Lakshmi is especially worshipped on this day so as to please her and seek her blessings for a prosperous new year ahead.
|
According to a third theory, especially popular in the southern part of India, Lord Bali went to rule the nether-world after being defeated by lord Vishnu. A festival known as Onam is celebrated around this time to mark the yearly homecoming of lord Bali in Kerala.
There are numerous celebrations that surround the festival. Worshipping goddess Lakshmi, burning of oil lamps, bursting of crackers and fireworks, distributing sweets and goodies and also offering of alms to the needy are a few of the foremost ones in the order.
|
|
|
