Diwali Festival

"Diwali or Deepaawali means an Array of Lamps i.e .Rows of diyas (Deep = Lamp, Vali =Array).

Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important. Enthusiastically enjoyed by people of every religion, its magical and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity.

As a family festival, it is celebrated 20 days after Dussehra, on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Ashwin (October / November).

It is a festival of lights symbolizing the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. It celebrates the victory of good over evil - and the glory of light. This festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile.

Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed by everyone and thousands of lamps lit to create a world of fantasy.

Diwali is a time for fun and revelry. Diwali is also a time for pooja and tradition.

Diwali in India is celebrated with jubilation and enthusiasm. It is one of the biggest festival of Hindus and is celebrated for five continuous days. Third day is the main day of Diwali and is celebrated as the 'Festival of Lights'. To mark this day people light diyas and candles all around their house. During the evening Lakshmi Puja is performed to seek divine blessings of Goddess of Wealth. People also exchange Diwali Gifts with all their dear ones and burst fire crackers in the night to express their happiness.

Date of Diwali Festival is not fixed as it is reckoned according to the position of the moon. According to Hindu calendar, Diwali falls on the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the auspicious Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). It comes on the no moon day or Amavasya. This Diwali date is significant for Hindus as it was on this particular day that Lord Ram was crowned as the King of Ayodhya on his return to the kingdom with wife Sita and brother Laxman after 14 years of exile and slaying of demon King Ravana. People celebrate Diwali by lighting diyas to dissipate the darkness of amavasya and commemorate the crowning of Lord Ram.