Diwali is an important festival which celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. That is why it is also known as the festival of lights. Widely observed among more than a billion people from a variety of faiths across India and its diaspora, the five days of Diwali are marked by prayer, feasts, fireworks, family gatherings, and charitable giving. This festival is widely known for lighting up the houses with ‘diyas’ and lights, eating sweets, wearing new clothes and burning crackers.
Diwali is perhaps best known as a festival of lights. Derived from the Sanskrit deepavali, which means “row of lights,” Diwali is known for the brightly burning clay lamps that celebrants line up outside their homes.
Different believes but same faith
On this day, it is believed that the demon Narakasura was slayed by Lord Krishna and Satyabhama. In many parts of the country, the legend says it is Goddess Kali who killed the asura king and hence the day is also known as Kali Chaudas. Celebrated differently in different parts of the country, the day gets its various names from Narak Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, Naraka Nivaran Chaturdashi and Bhoot Chaturdashi.There are different rituals attached with the festival. While some consider it a day to seek blessings from their forefathers, others associate it with getting rid of evil.
What makes Diwali special?
In Diwali month and week people give gifts to each other and exchange sweets. It creates love in families and relationships. Throughout the year People are busy with official and personal work and responsibilities. But on Diwali, almost all the people get time to meet with friends, families, and relatives. People buy newer things as a sign of prosperity during diwali season.
Most of the festivals have religious aspects behind celebrations in India. Diwali is a festival of wealth and an auspicious time. Therefore, on this day the goddess Laxshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshiped to get the wealth and prosperity in the society and country by people.
We need to look at festivals with brotherhood, unity, prosperity, love, and the development of the people in society and the country. Diwali festival is the perfect example of how important it is to celebrate to increase the love and humanity in people in India.