Deepavali or Diwali is called the festival of lights, one of the most popular festivals celebrated in mostly all over India . The festival of lights falls on the Amavasya- 15th day of Kartika in October- November. Deepavali, in Sanskrit word 'Deep' means Deepak or Diya (small earthen lamps) and 'Avali' means a row-meaning a row of Diyas or array of lamps, and the occasion is also referred to as the festival of lights.
Before Deepavali or Diwali, Indian homes are cleaned and white-washed since it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi of wealth comes in cleaned home on the day of festival. For this reason, during the festival, homes are cleaned and windows are opened to welcome Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Earthen lamps, lights and candles are lit, and fireworks are used to celebrate Diwali, a victory of light over darkness.
The superb five days long joyousness of Diwali celebrations is marked by multi-colored Rangoli designs, special pooja ceremonies, and lines of lamps, floral decorations fireworks, and exchange of sweets or 'Kheel Batasa' and gifts that lends magnificence to the occasions. Every home - lowly or mighty - the hut of the poor or the mansion of the rich - shines with the glow of twinkling earthen lamps and candles to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Deepavali (Diwali) is the festival of five days - The First day is called 'Dhanteras' which falls on the thirteenth day of the month of Kartika. The word Dhan means wealth. Believing this day to be auspicious, men as well as women purchase some gold or silver.
The Second day is called 'Narkachaturdashi' or 'Choti Diwali' falls on the fourteenth day of the month of Kartika. This day therefore is dedicated to lights and prayers heralding a future full of happiness and mirth.
The Third day of the festival of Deepavali (Diwali) is the most important day which sees colors of firecrackers, lighting of lamps, delicious sweets, new clothes and family get together replacing gifts. On the day of Diwali special pooja ceremony is observed to worship Lord Ganesh and Lakshmi Goddess of wealth.
The Fourth & Fifth Day, fervor celebrations of Diwali spread through five days and the fourth day of Diwali celebrations is marked with different manners in the different parts of India . In northern part of India this day is celebrated two days after Deepavali or Diwali as Govardhan Puja while in the western parts of India like Maharashtra state the same festival is celebrated as Padva or Bali Prativpada. Govardhan Puja also is recognized and celebrated as Annakoot.
Legends of Deepavali or Diwali Festival:
On the auspicious of Deepavali or Diwali the rows of earthen lamps, lights and candles are lit, gifts are exchanged, jewellery is purchased, firecrackers are burst, and these facets of the festival are related with mythological as well as historical legends.
Deepavali or Diwali is the day when King Rama's victory was celebrated in Ayodhya after his epic war with Ravana who was the demoniac king of Lanka. Rama returned with his wife sita and younger brother Lakshman after 14 years of exile, ending war in which the whole kingdom of Lanka was destroyed. On this dark night of Amavasya, Ayodhaya was shined with rows of lamps, radiating the dark nights to welcome home the king Rama so, on this auspicious day, a victory of light over dark night.
On the auspicious day of Deepawali or Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk called the Ksheer Sagar. Goddess Lakshmi brought with her wealth and prosperity for mankind. Therefore, on that day, Lakshmi Pooja was performed to honor her. Hindus worship Lakshmi goddess of wealth every year in the evening on the auspicious day of Diwali. Numbers of people believe that Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good destiny; visit the homes or houses of devotees on this day that is why they keep their homes or houses clean & full-lit to welcome her sanctified steps.
