Diwali - the festival of light is regarded as one of the most important and glamorous festival among all of the festivals celebrated in India. It is one such festival, which is celebrated by all throughout the country. Due to India's rich cultural heritage each region has their special way of celebrating it but the reason behind its celebration is same throughout. It is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. People of all religion and caste enjoy the festival. The festival creates a magical and radiant effect in the atmosphere. Everybody is in a joy and festive mood. The festival symbolizes victory of light over darkness. That's why it's called the festival of lights. Every state has their significance behind its celebration.
In the North, Diwali festivities start at Dussehra. It is celebrated in a big way here all the shops, buildings, houses and roads are decorated with lights that may be diyas (small clay lamps), candles and electric bulbs. Sweets and dry fruits are the most common gifts, as are silver coins. But gifts also range from silver dishes and other household gifts to suit-pieces. In places like Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, gambling with cards picks up and reaches peak on the night of Diwali. Every street of north India hosts stage shows of Ramlila - a dramatic rendition of the story of the Ramayan. Everybody bursts firecrackers the whole day. Diwali Festival in the southern region is celebrated in the Tamil month of aipasi (thula month) 'naraka chaturdasi' thithi, preceding amavasai. The preparations begin the day before, when the oven is cleaned, smeared with lime, four or five kumkum dots are applied, and then it is filled with water for the next day's oil bath. The house is cleaned and washed and decorated with kolam (rangoli) patterns with kavi. The pooja room is decorated with all the items for puja. Here the Diwali Celebrations include a visit to the temple, gifts of clothes and jewelry, gorging on sweets and receiving blessings of elders.
In the eastern part of the country in Bengal it is celebrated with Kali puja. After Durga puja, Kali puja is another important and major draw of Bengal. This puja is also held on a mass scale. The puja is held at night amidst the sound of crackers and fireworks. Devotees remain awake throughout the night to worship Goddess Kali. The customs of celebrating Diwali, the festival of light vary from region to region. Though the theme of Diwali is universal. With warmer days turning into a mild winter, the fun-filled Deepavali, is celebrated for five days from Krishna Chaturdashi to Kaartik Shukla Dwiteeya. The people of all community observe the festival of Diwali. Though the celebration process and rituals may vary but the universal theme behind its celebration remains the same across the country.
In the North, Diwali festivities start at Dussehra. It is celebrated in a big way here all the shops, buildings, houses and roads are decorated with lights that may be diyas (small clay lamps), candles and electric bulbs. Sweets and dry fruits are the most common gifts, as are silver coins. But gifts also range from silver dishes and other household gifts to suit-pieces. In places like Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, gambling with cards picks up and reaches peak on the night of Diwali. Every street of north India hosts stage shows of Ramlila - a dramatic rendition of the story of the Ramayan. Everybody bursts firecrackers the whole day. Diwali Festival in the southern region is celebrated in the Tamil month of aipasi (thula month) 'naraka chaturdasi' thithi, preceding amavasai. The preparations begin the day before, when the oven is cleaned, smeared with lime, four or five kumkum dots are applied, and then it is filled with water for the next day's oil bath. The house is cleaned and washed and decorated with kolam (rangoli) patterns with kavi. The pooja room is decorated with all the items for puja. Here the Diwali Celebrations include a visit to the temple, gifts of clothes and jewelry, gorging on sweets and receiving blessings of elders.
In the eastern part of the country in Bengal it is celebrated with Kali puja. After Durga puja, Kali puja is another important and major draw of Bengal. This puja is also held on a mass scale. The puja is held at night amidst the sound of crackers and fireworks. Devotees remain awake throughout the night to worship Goddess Kali. The customs of celebrating Diwali, the festival of light vary from region to region. Though the theme of Diwali is universal. With warmer days turning into a mild winter, the fun-filled Deepavali, is celebrated for five days from Krishna Chaturdashi to Kaartik Shukla Dwiteeya. The people of all community observe the festival of Diwali. Though the celebration process and rituals may vary but the universal theme behind its celebration remains the same across the country.
