Deepawali-Festival of Lights
This
year official date of Deepawali or Diwali is 14th of November. Deepawali is celebrated after 20 days of
Dushera Festival. It is believed as per Ramayana a holy book of Hindus that on
the day of Dushera Lord Rama slayed “Ravana”, Demon King of Lanka. In ordered
to free Goddess Sita from the clutches of Demon king Lord Rama attacked Lanka
with the army monkeys and defeated the big army of Lanka and was able to free
Goddess Sita, who was abducted by the Ravana the demon king. And after freeing Goddess Sita, Lord Rama
returned to Ayodhya his kingdom along with brother Laxmana and Goddess Sita. It took hi 20 days to complete this journey
and on the day of Deepawali he arrived in Ayodhya. In order to welcome Lord Rama in Ayodhya
whole city was lit with earthen lamps known as diyas. Also, Lord Rama has
completed his 14 years of exile in forest to fulfill a promise given by his father
to his step mother. And as Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years this
festival is mark of respect to Lord Rama for all the hardships, he has gone through
to fulfill the promise made by his father.
And that’s why the name Deepawali which literally means row of earthen
lamps. And from that day to this day
every year Diwali is celebrated in this manner to welcome Lord Rama. As Diyas are lit every where on this day, the
festival is also called ‘Festival of Lights’.
This
festival is celebrated with much fanfare all across India. It is day of joy and excitement for Hindus. It is one of biggest religious festival of India
and especially North India. Now-a-days people
instead of diya also use electric bulb or chain of small electric bulbs called
as ‘ladi’ in Hindi. Much before this day
approaches people clean and white wash their house. People and children make merry. Gifts and sweets are exchanged by
people. Young children burn fireworks
and crackers, wear new clothes and eat sweets to celebrate. In south India it is that peace on the earth
is dawned on this day.
But
there is downside also as some people drink alcohol and gamble to celebrate. Which has become social evil. And also, due to burning of crackers many burning
and fire accidents are there. Then due
to burning of crackers lot of air-pollution is caused. Therefore, Government is advising people to
maintain restraint and celebrate Diwali alcohol free and cracker free. But these things do not dampen the spirit of Diwali.
Many
people also worship goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on this day at night time
to bring peace and prosperity in their life as it is believed that goddess Lakshmi
visit people’s house this day and remains there if she is please with prayers.
