Deepawali or Diwali, the most
pan-Indian of all Hindu festivals, is a festival of lights
symbolising the victory of righteousness and the lifting of
spiritual darkness. The word 'Deepawali' literally means rows
of diyas (clay lamps). A family festival, it is
celebrated 20 days after Dussehra, on the 13th day of the dark
fortnight of the month of Asvin (October-November)
Continuing the story of Rama, this festival
commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after
completing his 14-year exile. Twinkling oil lamps or diyas light up every home and firework displays are
common all across the country. The Goddess Lakshmi (consort of
Vishnu), who is the symbol of wealth and prosperity, is also
worshipped on this day.
 This festive occasion also marks the beginning of the Hindu
New Year and Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, the symbol
of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshipped in most Hindu
homes on this day.
Another view is that Deepawali is
meant to celebrate the destruction of the arrogant tyrant Bali
at the hands of Vishnu when the latter appeared in his Vamana (dwarf) avatar. The occasion of Deepawali
sees the spring-cleaning and whitewashing of houses;
decorative designs or rangolis are painted on floors
and walls. New clothes are bought and family members and
relatives gather together to offer prayers, distribute sweets
and to light up their homes. In West Bengal, the Deepawali
festival is celebrated as Kali Puja and Kali, Shiva's consort,
is worshipped on this day.
To know the other
fabulous festivals of India better you may visit the following
link:
Other
Indian Festivals
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