Diwali – The “Festival of Lights”

Diwali is an Indian festival, known commonly as the “festival of lights.” Diwali is the day of Goddess Lakshmi’s special worship. She is the Goddess of cleanliness. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. These lamps are kept on during the night and one’s house is cleaned, both done in order to make the goddess Lakshmi feel welcome. Firecrackers are burst in order to drive away evil spirits. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends. Diwali is celebrated on thirteenth lunar day of Krishna paksha of the Hindu calendar month Ashwin and ends on Bhaubeej, celebrated on second lunar day of Shukla paksha of the Hindu calendar month Kartik. Today happens to be the first day of Diwali and we celebrated it at my house.