Diwali : The Festival of Lights

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The festival of lights,Diwali, is India's biggest religious celebration, when homes, institutions and entire neighborhoods are decorated with candles, earthen lamps and fairy lights on this auspicious moonless night. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains throughout the world. Diwali is celebrated in October or early November. It is the celebration of the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and his victorious return to kingdom. In order to make the home coming of Lord Rama safe and as swift as possible the people of Ayodhya illuminated the way with twinkling diyas. This is why lighting of lamps has become such an inseparable component of this festival  It also foretells of fresh beginnings as we open new checkbooks and diaries as well as clean our homes. It is an invocation to search for light, knowledge and enlightenment and to banish the dark thoughts, desires and negative feelings.

 The festivity of Diwali last for 5 days :The 1st day of Diwali is known as Dhanteras/Dhantrayodashi. It is officially marks the beginning of the festival. Legend has it; Lord Dhanwantari emerged from the ocean on this day with the science of medicine-Ayurveda to benefit the mankind. This is an auspicious day and a huge amount of buying gold, silver, precious stones and utensils are done on this day.
The 2nd day is termed as the Narak Chaturdashi. It is believed that Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasur on this day, thus freed the world from oppression and fear. The bathing process followed on this day is rather complicated; women bathe with utane (mix of Ayurvedic herbs) and scented oils. Sound of firecrackers fill the air by 4 a.m. and stop only after sunrise. The day is spent hosting neighbors, relatives and friends, and exchanging gifts and sweets.
The 3rd day is indeed the actual Diwali and it's the time to worship Goddess Lakshmi along with Lord Ganesha.It is imperative to keep the house spotlessly clean as the Goddess is said to visit and bless houses that are orderly. Flowers, lamps and rangolis adorn the doorways of homes.
The 4th day is Padwa & Govardhan Puja, Padwa is the day that celebrates the bond between husband and wife. Wives pray for their husband's longevity. It is customary for a husband to pamper his wife with gifts. Govardhan Puja is is celebrated as this day commemorates the incident when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill to provide the villagers of Vrindavan shelter from torrential rain.
The 5th day is Bhai Dooj/Bhau Beej,this day symbolizes the love between a brother and sister and a time for family reunions. Sisters pray for the well-being and prosperity of their brothers while they vow to protect their sisters and shower them with presents.
Regardless of how tough a year has been- the sight and sounds of Diwali, the love, togetherness and good cheer that pervades the atmosphere, diminishes sorrows and manages to rekindles hope in the hearts. Diwali is the celebration of life and all the good that it has to offer, it is a time for togetherness and bonding.

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