As Christmas is for Christians, Eid is for Muslims, similarly, Diwali is for Hindu. It is the biggest and brightest festival in the calendar. Diwali is the festival of joy, splendor, and light.
The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians the light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.
Diwali also is known as Deepavali meaning "series of lights", or dīpotsavam "festival of lights". People irrespective of caste, celebrate this day by lighting diyas around the house or in the modern age, by decorating home with lights. Diwali is a five-day festival, on the first day, Dhanteras, people consider it auspicious day and buy gold or silver jewelry also cars, clothes and much more.
The second day of Diwali is known by Chotti Diwali, on this day Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Naraksur and made the world free from fear. The Third Day of Diwali is Lakshmi Puja, this is the day where people worship unto Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Hindus cleanse themselves and join with the family to get the blessing of Goddess of wealth and prosperity, by worshipping and enchanting mantras.
The fourth day is followed by Govardhan Puja, it is believed that many thousand years ago, Lord Krishna had made the people of Vraja perform Govardhan puja, since then Hindus perform this puja. This is the first day of the new year when friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes for the season. On the Fifth day, Bhai Bhuj, it is a day dedicated to sisters.
Once Yamraj the God of Death had visited her sister on this day, and had given her a boon that whosoever visit her on this day shall be liberated from all the sins. From then on, brothers visit their married sisters who welcome them with love and a lavish meal.
Diwali is a very significant festival in India and other parts of the world where Indians live. People clean their homes and color or decorate them for the festivities. Even shopping of all kinds is done during these days. It is seen that during days of Diwali people tend to buy new things, from gold jewelry, clothes, cars, to home. Ladies tend to buy more clothes, kitchen utensils, gifts for family members.
They buy dry fruits, sweets, and seasonal specialties. Also, Diwaliis the biggest reason where people make home-made sweets. Relatives, friends , and neighbors gather to meet and celebrate this day. It is also a period when children hear stories about legends about battles between good and evil from parents or elders.
While the story behind Diwali and the manner of celebration varies from region to region, the festival is celebrated to remember that light triumphs over dark and good triumphs over evil. Hindus across the world celebrate Diwali in the honor of the return of Lord Rama, wife Sita, brother Lakshmana and lord Hanuman to Ayodhya from exile of 14 years after Rama defeated Ravana.
To honor and celebrate Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman returning from Sri Lanka and to illuminate their path, villagers light Diyas to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
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