Diwali: Festival of Lights

Diwali also called Deepawali, literally meaning row of lamps is a major Hindu festival. Today is Naraka chaturdhasi and tomorrow is Diwali.

It is celebrated all over India and is related to various events.
In south India, this marks slaying of baddie Narakasura by Lord Krishna and his wife satyabhama, the victory of good over evil and also victory of knowledge over ignorance.

In eastern india, puja is offered to kali, fierce form of Goddess Durga, again symbolising victory of good over evil.

In western India (Gujarat) this marks the new year. It is also on this day lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with Sita, Laxmana and hanuma after slaying Ravanasura.

On this day prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi, as she was born whilst samudra manthana ( churning of sea).

It also has religious significance in other religions- Jainism and Sikkhism and sime firms of buddhism. ( not sure of the reasons, would be grateful for info).

There is an occasion called ‘Dhanteras’ where people buy gold as a good omen . As husbands we don’t want to know or talk about this to our wives. :)

It is a very colourful and vibrant festival and we miss India this time ofvthe yesr and this is the best time to visit India.

Unfortunately some are moaning about the pollution caused by crackers or fireworks for 1 or 2 days and ignore the year long pollution from industries and automobiles. Such is the state of affairs.

Anyway, happy Diwali everyone and wish you a very happy new year for those who are celebrating.

Thanks for stopping by.