Diwali

Diwali or Deepavali is a festival of lights. It signifies victory of light over darkness. It is one of the popular festival of Hindu religion.

Diwali is a major festival of India. It is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm, on the new moon night in the month of October or November. It is also known as festival of light because all houses are decorated with light lamps and candles etc. on this night. Diwali is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus. It is also known as Deepavali. On this auspicious day, people light up diyas and candles all around their houses and fire crackers. There are a lot of variety of fireworks are available in the market in the season of Diwali. In the evening, people perform Laxmi Puja (The Hindu Goddess of wealth and prosperity) and seek divine blessing. The festival of Diwali is incomplete without exchanging of goods.

History

Diwali falls on the Amavasya of the month of Kartik every year according to Hindu calendar.This festival in mentioned in Sanskrit scriptures such as the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana. The diyas were first mentioned in Skanda Purana as a symbolic representation of sun, the cosmic giver of light and energy to all life. In some areas, Diwali is also associated with the legend of Yama and Nachiketa.

Another historical myth is famous about Diwali is that when Srhi Rama came Ayodhya after defeating Rawana, the people of Ayodhya welcome him with the lamps.

Significance

Diwali is one the happiest holiday in India and Nepal. It has some specific advantages like following:

People clean and decorate their houses to welcome goddess of money and prosperity "Laxmi" and other festivities.
Diwali is a great occasion for shopping and gifts. It is the biggest shopping season in India and Nepal. People buy new clothes, gold jewelry, kitchen utensils, sweets and other gift items for their family, relatives and friends.
Generally, many firms and manufacturers provide a good discount on Diwali to attract more customers. This is beneficial for both, customers and buyers.

Spiritual Importance

Diwali is celebrated in all over India. It is celebrated by all community except Muslims. Although, there are many historical events, stories and myths but they all symbolize the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, hope over despair and good over evil.