Festival of Lights: Diwali

Diwali is the most popular festival of India. It is celebrated widely over India, with great pomp and enthusiasm in reverence and honor of Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity!

This is the day, when the legendary Lord Rama returned to his homeland, Ayodhya after spending 14 years in exile and defeating and slaying, the demon Ravana and his subsequent coronation as the king !
The celebrations on this day, start with a special bath, early in the morning, followed by prayers to Goddess Lakshmi. Special dishes are prepared, sweets are exchanged and every Hindu household is abuzz with festivities.

In the evening, every house (and shop) is decorated with numerous small oil lamps, called diyas, which are placed around the house, in courtyards, verandahs, and gardens, as well as on roof-tops and outer walls. This is followed by burning of various firecrackers.

Diwali also holds official holiday status in many countries other than India, in Nepal, Fiji, Mauritius, Guyana, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Singapore.

This festival signifies the renewal of life, dispelling darkness and heralding the victory of good over evil !

May light triumph over darkness
May peace transcend the earth
May the spirit of light illuminate the world
May you celebrate a wonderful Diwali this year!

Wish you all, my readers A Very Happy and Prosperous Diwali !

Note: In my next post, I will post pictures of Diwali celebrations at my house.