Diwali, the festival of lights is celebrate on the 15th day of Kartika according to the Hindu calendar. The name Diwali is derived from the words, Deepa which means light and Avali which means in a row. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It is celebrated by Hindus, Shiks, Jains all over the world with great pomp and joy. It signifies the victory of light over the dark.
While there are many stories behind the origin of Diwali, one of the most popular story is The Ramayana. The homecoming of Lord Ram, Lady Sita and Lord Lakshmana from their 14-year long exile is celebrated as Diwali. The whole kingdom of Ayodhya was lit up with earthen lamps, known as Diyas to welcome the return of their king.
Till date, diyas are lit as a part of the celebrations in memory of that day. Crackers are burst and fireworks are lit to show the triumph of light over darkness. Diwali is also celebrated as a festival of peace in the borders of India especially Indo-Paki border.
Diwali is celebrated over five days, with each day carrying it's own significance. The five days of lights and festivities are as follows:
Dhanteras, is essentially the Festival of Wealth. Being the first day of Diwali, the event pays respects to the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi in hope of prosperity and well being. The word, Dhan, literally means wealth whereas Teras means thirteen as the festival is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight.
During Dhanteras, the diya is lit and Lakshmi is welcomed into the house. Furthermore, Rangoli designs are drawn on pathways including the goddess' footprints to mark the arrival of the Goddess of Wealth. Aarti's or devotional hymns are sung eulogizing Goddess Lakshmi and sweets and fruits are offered to her. Lord Kuber, furthermore, is also worshiped on this day along with Lakshmi as it is believed he also was the treasurer of wealth.
Essentially, the next day of Diwali- namely Chotti Diwali, is quite literally a smallercelebration of the next day. Chhoti Diwali, in Hindu homes involves celebrations involve a ritual pooja to Goddess Lakshmi and also to Rama in the evening. Songs in honor of the god are sung and aarti is performed. The morning after, womendecorate the home with rangoli and light a few diyas and firecrackers.
The third day of Diwali is the grandest of them all. The lights, crackers, food and family come together to create an unforgettable day. The pooja for Goddess Lakshmi is performed primarily on this day, whilst also celebrating the triumph of good over evil and lightness over darkness.
Govardhan Pooja relates to the story of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan hill to protect the inhabitants of Vrindavan. On this day, endless amount of sweets are made from food prepared by the devotees. In return they are offered to the Deities and subsequently to everyone. Cows are also honoured throughout the festivities.
After the high voltage celebrations of Diwali and the other days within the festival, sisters and brothers embrace their love through Bhai Dooj. By putting an auspicious tilak or a vermilion mark on the forehead of their brothers and performing aarti, sisters throughout India provide their brothers with protection from evil forceswithin the world. In return sisters are lavished with gifts and blessings from their brothers.
We must celebrate every day of our life like Diwali and spread happiness andbrightness wherever we go. Scroll down for some crackers.
happy diwali!
Take snaps of anything related to Diwali. 
Sports
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Avatar and Signatures Shop
Anupamaa
