Diwali Celebration in India

This week the whole of India will be celebrating Diwali popularly known as festival of lights. It is one of the most important festivals of the Hindus. The lights are meant to brighten the engulfing darkness and symbolise the triumph of good over evil

During the five days of Diwali celebration the mood is marked by feeling of joy and happiness. During the nights the entire streets is bathed in illumination and the air ranted with non-stopping burst of fire crackers. The houses are lit up with diya (oil lamps) and paper stars hung up. Rangoli ( colourful design) are drawn on the house compounds.

On the first day known as Dhanteras day, there is a mad rush to purchase gold and silver ornaments, which is considered an auspicious time for purchases.

Second day is the Choti Diwali (small diwali) when people wake up before sun rise, have an oil bath and then comes out of the house to burst fire crackers..

Laxmi puja occurs on the third day. Deity Laxmi the goddess of wealth and prosperity is welcomed by offering traditional pujas (prayers). The business community places their accounting books in front of the Laxmi deity and offers puja for the well being of the business. This is also the day when new account books are opened by them. Diwali delicacies which are prepared on run up to Diwali is then distributed and exchanged between neighbours and relatives. People visits each other houses and exchange Diwali greetings

The forth day is Govardhan puja, which is a significant event in the villages. People worship the holy cows by smearing vermillion and sandal wood paste on its forehead and offers special prayers for the well being of cows.

The fifth day, the last day of Diwali is marked by Bhai dooj. The sisters offer prayers for the general well being of their brothers. Gifts are exchanged expressing brotherly feelings of love and affe