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 When
one thinks about Indian festivals, the festival that instantly comes
to mind is DIWALI or DEEPAVALI as called by some.. This Hindu
festival brings excitement and joy to the hearts of people even
before it arrives. Diwali is the festival of Laxmi, the Goddess of
prosperity and wealth. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi brings
peace and prosperity to all.
Diwali is celebrated all over India. The preparations for the
festival begins well in advance. People start decorating their
homes, preparing sweets and farsans and buy new clothes & jewellery
all this to welcome the Goddess into their homes who comes to bless
all.The festival of Diwali is celebrated for a period of 5 days the
last day being the 15th day of Ashwin (a month of Hindu calendar)
which falls somewhere in the month of October and November.
People light up their homes with clay
oil lamps and colorful lights and Rangolis . This new moon night or
Amavasya as it is called is thus turned into a bright and colourful
night.
Diwali is a festival of Hindus, but especially of the Businessmen,
On this day they do puja of Account books and start writing their
new accounts. This is called as "CHOPDA PUJAN" meaning puja of
account books.
The celebration of Diwali can be viewed in all its splendour at
night when all the homes are lit up. Diwali is incomplete without
its fireworks. People especially children burst crackers of all
variety - Sparkles, Flower Pots, Rockets, from the fancy ones to the
loud noise making Bombs.
Legend of Diwali:-
When Lord Ram killed Ravan
and returned to Ayodhya along with Laxman, Sita and Hanuman, at that
time Diwali was celebrated in Ayodhya for the 1st time. The people
of Ayodhya lit up their homes with oil lamps and turned the night
into a light festival. From that time onwards Diwali is celebrated
to marks the Victory of Lord Ram over the evil Ravan.
Celebrated every year in October-November, Diwali is perhaps the
most popular of all Indian festivals. It is a celebration of light,
both literally and
metaphorically. The origin of this festival can be traced
back to the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, when Lord Rama returned to
his kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The whole kingdom was
lit up with diyas (earthen lamps) to celebrate his return. To date,
on
Diwali day, houses all over India glow with the twinkle
of innumerable diyas, candles and
electric lights. The night is illuminated with the flaming lights of
fireworks, creating kaleidoscopic designs against the black
canvas of the sky. For Hindu business communities, Diwali marks the
beginning of the New Year. The goddess of wealth, Laxmi, is
worshipped, and new books of accounts are opened after pooja
(worship).
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DIWALI AT JAIPUR
(OCT-NOV) |
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During the
Diwali celebration decoration and lighting is done
throughout the walled Pink City, with every market
competing with the others to pick-up the best decorated
market award. Prior to the Diwali night, called the
Dhan-teras
all the shops remain open the whole night through.There
are special prizes for the best decorated individual
buildings as well. |
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Most
people prefer walking through the step to enjoy this
dazzling extravaganza. And if one has to see, the
illuminated city of Jaipur during Diwali, one must have
a stay at Nahargarh. The view of illuminated Jaipur City
can equalled to a Bride. |
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