Diwali Indian Festival

Diwali - the festival of Lights
Diwali is celebrated by the Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs
Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya in Ashwin according to the Hindu calendar.

Mythological significance:

The festival of lights also well-known as Deepawali is celebrated for 5 days in the late Ashwin month and ends in the first week of Kartika. The word Deepawali in Sanskrit means cluster of lights. In north India Diwali is like a New Year eve. It starts from the 13th day of the Ashwin the dark half of the Hindu lunar calendar and ends on the first day of the Kartika known as the light half month Kartika. Diwali is celebrated with different tradition and custom according to states and religions.

Diwali is celebrated to worship gods and goddess of wealth; well-known as Lakshmi Mata. This is the most favorite festival of the Indian people. This festival is celebrated with great joy and happiness. Legends say that this festival is a celebration for the return of Lord Shri Rama to Ayodhya after a long 14 years vanvas. People of Ayodhya in his welcome had lighted lamps in a row.

Celebration of Diwali

The festival of Diwali is celebrated for continuous 5 days and they are as follows:

1. Vasu Baras: Baras means 12th day and Vasu is cow, this comes on the 27th Ashwin or on the 12 Krishna Paksha Ashwin. This is the first day of Diwali and this is devoted to cow and calf.
2. Dhanatrayodashi or Dhan Teras: It lies on the 13th Krishna Paksha Ashwin or on the 24th of Ashwin here Dhan means wealth and Trayodashi means as the 13th day. Dhanatrayodashi comes on the 13th day of the 2nd half of the lunar month of Ashwin by the Hindu calendar. On this day the Hindus feels fortunate to buy lots of Gold and Utensils.
3. Naraka Chaturidashi: This lies on the 14th Krishna Paksha Ashwin or on the 24th of Ashwin on Chaturidashi the demon Narakasura was assassinated by Lord Krishna. This signifies the success of good over bad. This is considered as the main day of celebration. People offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Krishna early in the morning after that children burst firecrackers.
4. Lakshmi Puja: This lies on the 15th Krishna Paksha Ashwin or on the 30th Ashwin; Lakshmi Puja is one of the most important days of Deepawali. On this day the Hindus Worship the goddess Lakshmi, as she is the God of Wealth and Lord Ganesh as he is the fortunate beginner. People light lamps all around their house to welcome Prosperity and wealth.
5. Bali Pratipada and Govardhan Puja: this comes on the 1st of Kartika or on the 1st of Shukla Paksha Kartika on this day in north India it is celebrated as the Govardhan Puja which is the day of Krishna and is known as Annakut. In Maharashtra and all the south Indian states it is well-known as the Bali Pratipada or Phadva, on this day Vishnu had defeated the demon-king Bali. Wife's do Puja of their husband and husbands gives gifts to their wives.
6. Bhai Duj: it comes on the 2nd day of Kartika or on the 2nd of the Shukla Paksha Kartika this day is dedicated to sisters and brothers. On this day sisters and brothels meet and they convey their feeling of love and care to each other. Yam who is the lord of death visited his sister Yami on this very day she welcomed him with aarti and in return Yam gave a gift to Yami as a token of love hence this day is also well-known as 'Yam Dwitiya'.

Traditional food

Diwali is a festival that has many mouth watering dishes such as

• Besan ka Ladoo: - this is made out of the Besan; this is one of the most liked dishes out of many. Ladoos are offered to Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi while offering Puja.
• Karanji: - this is made all over India especially for Diwali and is the best sweet dish which is home made. This is not only tasty but also healthy as it contains dry fruits in it.
• Chakali: - this is also one of the most favorite dishes of Diwali. It is crispy and yummy and can be had with Karanji and tea.
• Rawa Ladoo: - this is also as important as the Besan ka ladoo; this is also placed as the Prasad in front of the God.

Diwali is a festival which is liked mostly by children as they get new cloths, firecrackers and many things to eat. This is the festival where small as well as elderly people can also enjoy with great enthusiasm.