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Facts
behind the celebration:
Diwali
signifies the victory of good against evil. It is held in late autumn,
and on the evenings during this time, the windows of houses are
illuminated by
lamps(diyas) and candles.
From a distance and in the darkness, these hundreds of glowing lights
are a wonderful sight.The festival of lights is a universal Hindu
festival.
The festival also commemorates the coronation of Prince Rama. When
Rama arrives at the end of 14 years of banishment, Hindus
rejoice because Rama has conquered Ravana.
He has conquered evil and good has triumphed. People show their
happiness and joy by lighting lamps in praise of Rama.
In India Diwali is seen as a renewal of life. On this day old lamps
are thrown out and a new lamp are bought. New lamps are thought to
help the souls of the dead find their way to heaven.Shopkeepers
usually close their accounts at this time.
They place their ledgers in front of a picture of Lakshmi and pray for
better profits in the coming year. Lakshmi is
believed to visit homes that
are well lit, so families decorate their homes with flowers and paper
chains. The streets are hung with garlands of flowers and are full of
lights. People wear their best clothes or buy new ones, children are
given presents and new year greetings are exchanged through visits or
Diwali cards. Everywhere is clean and shiny for Hindus believe in the
cleanliness of body, mind and home.
A
Rangoli design is
created on doorsteps to welcome everybody. Rangoli means a pattern in
colour. Traditionally rice flour was used as an offering to the
insects, birds and small creatures.Now-a-days
powder paints, chalk, sand, cereals, seeds or flowers
are used to create a rangoli pattern. Delicious food and sweets are
prepared. Traditionally Hindus would visit the temple before eating,
making merry and visiting friends and relatives. Sometimes friends are
met at the temple where there is music, singing and dancing as well as
lots of food.
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