A festival plays a great role as it brings new joy and hope to the people. Of all the festivals I like Diwali. Diwali or Deepawali which means rows of lights is an important festival of the Hindus. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country.
This festive day falls on the Amavasya of the month of Kartik every year exactly twenty days after Dussehra by the Hindu calendar. This festival of lights, sweets and crackers is celebrated with fun and frolic by all. In this day, the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after gaining victory over Ravana is memorable. To welcome him back and to express their joy, the people of Ayodhya lighted rows of earthen lamps.
Some others believe that Goddess Lakshmi of wealth and prosperity visits every house on this night. To welcome her, the lights are lit throughout the night. Jains believe that in the early morning of this day Lord Mahavir attained ‘Moksha or Salvation.’
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The preparations start with cleaning their houses and shops. This is the best time for the manufacturers and sellers of sweets, toys and idols of gods and goddesses, crackers, candles etc. As people are eager to purchase new clothes, utensils, greeting cards and other things, there is great hustle-bustle in every market. These market areas are decorated and they undoubtedly draw a lot of crowd.
On the day of Diwali, everyone is happy and mirthful. Clad in new clothes they visit their friends and relatives. Sweets and greetings are exchanged. At night people worship Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi with great devotion. People decorate their houses with illuminating lamps, candles and electric bulbs.
The sight of these glittering lights is very enchanting as the night appears to be under the spell of a full moon. Children let off fireworks. All the variety of crackers like anars, rockets, lighting pencils, etc. is seen. Fireworks must be under the supervision of elders as any folly can lead to injuries, burns and fire hazards.
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Many fire tenders are placed at different areas for ready help in case of need. All people young and old who take part in the happy occasion must be careful so that accidents of such harm do not occur. Some people wrongly believe that they should gamble on the day of Diwali.
Gambling is a social evil and people must keep away from this practice. Diwali is the festival of wealth, prosperity and happiness. It is the festival celebrated by the majority of Indians in every nook and corner of the country. As such, it has become a symbol of unity in diversity.