Diwali
Diwali: Diwali (Deepavali), the festival of lights and fireworks, is celebrated throughout the country during Oct-Nov to celebrate Rama and Sita’s homecoming after their exile in the Ramayana. Festivities include illuminating the houses by lighting of oil lamps and firecrackers, and the exchanging sweets and gifts.
During the Festival of Diwali in Delhi, the burning of these diyas is considered to be the illuminated pathway of a person’s expression of happiness. The lighting of the lamps is also believed to a mode of paying a bow to God, the highest power, for achieving health, knowledge, prosperity, financial security and peace in life. The Delhi Diwali Festival or ‘the festival of lights’ is celebrated with much eagerness and passion in almost all the parts of North India. In fact, the Diwali Festival of Delhi is regarded to bring the mystic joy and brightness in a person’s life. This festival brings a hope of finding out life amidst darkness, achieving happiness in place of unawareness. The Diwali Festival also spreads love amidst hatred and violence. The age old tradition of lighting the diyas on the Festival of Diwali in Delhi holds a lot of importance, because in Hindu mythology the light stands for vivacity and integrity. In the present times it is seen that in the cities classy neon lights and candles are often lighted as a substitute of the original diyas.
The Festival of Diwali in Delhi begins with the festival of Dussehra. The Delhi Diwali Festival falls on the months of November-December.
The main events of the Diwali Festival are:
Day 1 – Dhanteras
Day 2 – Chhoti Diwali, Roop Chaturdashi
Day 3 – Laxmi Pujan, Bandi Chhor Diwas
Day 4 – Goverdhan Puja, Annakoot
Day 5 – Bhai Dooj