దీపావళి

Diwali is historically a Hindu religion festival having its origin in the Era of Lord Rama or probably even before that at the time of churning of milky ocean when Goddess Lakshmi came out as the boon to the Gods and whole humanity. Hinduism, being the oldest religion whose history goes back to thousands of years, it is not surprising that numerous legends are associated with Diwali. However all of them signify the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair.

Numerous rituals are followed during Diwali. These rituals vary from state to state and within a state region to region. However, cleaning and decorating homes usually by giving new whitewash or fresh paints, buying new clothes and jewelry, buying new household items either big or small, preparing traditional home-made sweets, worshipping numerous deities, lighting Diya(s) and decorating home with blinking electric lamps, bursting firecrackers, trying Diwali remedies to gain wealth, visiting relatives and family friends, distributing sweets, dry-fruits and gifts, calling distant family members, relatives and friends to exchange Diwali wishes are the most common activities during Diwali.

Various deities are worshipped and appeased during five days Diwali festivity. However Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kuber are the most prominent names which come to the mind when Diwali Puja is mentioned. Lord Yamraj, God Dhanvantari, God Hanuman, Goddess Kali, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Krishna and Demon King Bali are other prominent deities who are worshipped during Diwali.