Deepavali

Diwali or Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most colorful occasions in India. Celebrated in October-November, this festival spans three days. Diwali is celebrated with merriment and lights of various kinds. It marks the advent of winter. Prayers are said to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth.

The origin of this festival can be traced to the Hindu mythologies.

According to a section of the population, Lord Vishnu rescued Goddess Lakshmi from King Bali on Diwali.
According to another group, Goddess Lakshmi emerged on Diwali from the milky way (Ocean of Milk).
Diwali is also celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama from Lanka after his victory over Ravana.
In South India, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.

The Muslim traveler and historian, Alberuni, refers to Diwali as a festival when people dressed festively, distributed gifts, visited temples to give alms and played merrily with one another till noon. At night, they light a great number of oil lamps and burst crackers.

Diwali - a festival of lights

In North India, on Diwali old lamps are thrown away and new ones, fresh from the family potter, are lighted and placed in the house. The new lamps are thought to help the souls of the dead find their way to heaven.

In Gujarat, Diwali marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year. Being associated with Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, Diwali is a day of great economic significance to the business community.

In West Bengal, the night of Diwali's new moon light is reserved for the worship of goddess Kali. In Maharashtra, songs are sung on Diwali to restore the rule of Bali.

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