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Diwali
is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepawali, meaning " a row of light".
This festival falls on the new moon night of Karttika (October-November)
and is celebrated over the period of five days. The first day is considered
very auspicious for the purchase of new clothes, utensils, housewares,
and other such items.
Diwali is associated
with several mythological stories. According to one myth, Lord Krishna
is believed to have destroyed Narakasura on the first day of Diwali.
In some parts of India, effigies of demon Narakasura are burned
on Diwali to celebrate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon.
In the North India, the second day of Diwali is dedicated to the
worship of the sacred hill Govardhana, near the town of Matura,
a site of deep religious significance to the devotees of Lord Vishnu.
Hindus believe that on the day of Diwali, Rama returned to Ayodhya
after defeating Ravana, and the people of Ayodhya celebrated the
return of Rama by lighting thousands of clay lamps.
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus with extraordinary
festivity. Houses are cleaned and painted. Utensils are cleaned,
and cushions and upholstery of furniture are |
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changed.People wear new clothes and take pledges
to begin a new life. Shops and offices are decorated with colored electric
lights. Businessmen close their old account books and begin new ones.
At dusk, homes and shops are illuminated with colored lights, followed
by fireworks. People exchange gifts and visit friends and relatives.
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