Diwali Festival 2013

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Deepavali or Diwali, is one of the major festival in Hindu religion and is celebrated in a grandiose manner throughout India for five days. It falls between the Ashwin and Kartik months of the Hindu calendar and October and November of the Georgian calendar. It commences on Dhanteras and is observed till Bhaubeej.
The word Deepavali, which is the expanded version of the word Diwali, literally translates to row of lamps. Lighting clay lamps filled with oil is significant in Diwali as it symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. It is believed that these lamps purge the house and welcome goddess Lakshmi and so are kept lit all night during the festival. Firecrackers, which are another big attraction in Diwali, are burst to ward off evil spirits. Also, this festival marks Lord Rama€¬€s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.
All the communities in India celebrate Diwali with equal vigor. Just as Hindus celebrate Diwali for various important events, in Jainism diwali signifies as the time period in which Mahavir Jain attained moksha (nirvana). On the day of Diwali, Marwaris celebrate their new year too.
Five Days of Diwali:
1. Dhanteras: According to the Indian Mythos, it was on this day that God Dhanwantari appeared from the ocean with Ayurvedic medicines. Business people from all over the nation pray to the God of Dhan (money) to bless them with prosperity and businesses start their financial year.
2. Narka Chaturdashi: This day signifies the victory of goddess Kali on the wicked monster Narka. This day is celebrated to ward off laziness and evil from our lives. Amavasya/ Laksmi Pujan: On this day goddess Lakshmi, who is considered as the goddess of prosperity and success is worshipped so that she can bless her devotees.
3. Bali Padyami: Lord Vishnu defeated the demonic king Bali and pushed him in the netherworld. This day is celebrated in the memory of the epic victory of lord Vishnu.
4. Bhau Beej: On the day of Beej, sisters pray for their brothers€¬€ lives by applying a ceremonial €¬…€Tilak€¬ on their foreheads. This festival is celebrated to emulate lord Krishna€¬€s visit to his sister Subhadra who showered him with an exceptionally warm welcome for his victory over the corrupt demon Narkasura.
In these five days, the festival of lights bridges the differences between the diverse communities of India and brings them together for a grandiose celebration enjoyed throughout the nation.
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