Diwali - The Festival of Lights
Diwali or Deepavali (deep - earthen lamps and avali - row of) is the biggest and most popular festival of Hinduism. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is celebrated on the new moon day of the Kartik month of the Hindu lunar calendar which usually falls between mid October and Mid November. Historically, there are many legends to the origins of Diwali. Some believe it is the celebration of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi’s birthday - the goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama from his 14 year long exile back to his kingdom Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman after vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. On their return, the kingdom of Ayodhya was illuminated with earthen lamps and festivities to welcome their lord. In the modern day, Diwali is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show. On the day, people clean and decorate their homes, dress up in their best outfi...