Diwali celebrations in India

"Diwali" is another name of "Deepavali", which is known as "Row ofLights". This festival is also called the "Festival of Lights". Diwali is the name for the festival in North-India. In South-India the festival is called "Deepavali". It celebrates to success of the Good over the good and Light over Darkness. It is a  significant festival  for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains alike in India. The day of Diwali falls on Ashvina Amavasya  on 15 Ashvin (Hindu month),  the festival of lights which is celebrated by Indians with great Zeal and enthusiasm. In 2012 it will be celebrated on 13th November.

 

This is 5 days festival. On the first day people worshipped to Goddess Laxmi for success and wealth. The second day (Choti Diwali) is also known as 'Small Diwali', 'Naraka Chaturdashi' or 'Kali Chaudas' in some states. As per  the legend, Lord Kirshna killed the evil daemon Narakasura on this day. People worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Rama. The third day is the real day of Diwali. Many devotees visit their Temples for praying  Lakshmi, Goddess of beauty, prosperity and wealth with Laxmi Poojas and also pray to Ganesh, the 'Lord of Beginnings' and 'Remover of Obstacles'. When Aarti is performed, oil lamps with a cotton wick are placed on a Puja Thali and offered to the deities, praising the deity by singing wonderful Aarti songs.

At night people light up little oil lamps called Diyas, Dipa Lights and place them around their houses. They hang colorful lanterns and fairy lights, enjoying firework displays or blasting fire crackers. On forth day (Padwa) is 1^st of  Kartika masam in the Hindu calendar . Finally the 5^th  and last day of Diwali is called 'Bhaiduj' ('Bhai Dooj') also known as 'Yama Dwitiya'. This is the day for brothers and sisters to support their relationships. Just like Yami prayed for her brother Yama (God of Death), sisters are praying for their brother's well-being on this day, and brothers give little gifts to their sisters in return. On this day people prepare different types of recipes and sweets and they distributed to everyone.