Diwali, the festival of lights and sweetness, is the most popular of all the festivals in India. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the Lunar Calendar. It celebrates the victory of goodness over evil, light over darkness and ushers in the New Year. There are various legends and stories about the Diwali festival. The story of Bali, Emergence of Laxmi, Krishna Narakasur Fight, Victory of Rama over Ravana and many more. On this festival people clean their houses and wear new clothes.
Diwali is a 5 days festival as Dhanteras 24th October, 2011, Choti Diwali 25thOctober, 2011, Badi Diwali 26th October, 2011, Padwa 27th and Bhaiduj on 28thOctober, 2011.
During Diwali people pray to Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth, light, prosperity and wisdom, but also to Lord Ganesha, the 'Remover of Obstacles' or the 'Lord of Beginnings'.
As the festive season approaches near, markets in Rajasthan get flooded with different type of gifts, decoration, and puja items. The crafted and designer diyas are one of the big attractions in such markets. Diyas embellished with zari, painted patterns, mirrors, etc. are quite enticing by their very appearance. On the first day of the Diwali festival people pray, eat a special breakfast made of many different foods. Dipa Lights (also called Diwali Diyas, Kandils, Ghee Lamps, Parvati Ganesha Lamps) that are made of clay, fueled with Oil or Ghee (clarified butter), the wick made of cotton wool, are placed outside of houses, on floors and doorways. All the Streets, markets, temples and home are decorated with flowers and lartificial light during the festival. On the day of Diwali people exchange gifts, using firecrackers, making fireworks & bonfires, having festive meals. Diwali in Rajasthan is all together an amazing experience with lots of light everywhere, crackers and delicious sweets to eat.
Let the light of diya lead our way through all the darkness in life.
