Diwali/Deepavali or Dipawali is India's biggest and most important festival. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.
Over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival that is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith. The festival is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs...
The story behind Diwali:
North India : People celebrate the King Rama's return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana.
South India : South Indians celebrate the festival as the day that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.
West India : Celebrates the festival as the day that Lord Vishnu, the preserver sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world.
The festival marks the victory of Good over Evil.
In Jainism, it marks the nirvana or spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira on October 15, 527 B.C.
In Sikhism it marks the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru was freed from imprisonment.
5 Days of Celebration:
On the first day of Diwali, people consider it auspicious to spring clean the home and shop for gold or kitchen utensils.
On the second day, people decorate their homes with clay lamps and create design patterns called rangoli on the floor using colored powders or sand.
The third day is the main day of the festival when families gather together for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi followed by mouth-watering feasts and firework festivities.
The fourth day is the first day of the new year when friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes for the season.
On the last day of Diwali, brothers visit their married sisters who welcome them with love and a lavish meal.
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