Diwali
Festival of Lights
What is Diwali ? How do the Hindus Celebrate it ?
Deepavali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji.
This festival is celebrated by the Hindus in the Hindu month of Kartik which falls sometime during the October or November months. It is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile and his victory over the dämon Ravana. In many parts of India Diwali is celebrated for five consecutive days and is one of the most popular festivals in India. Diwali comes exactly twenty days after Dussehra. Hindus, and Sikhs alike regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and relationships. For Hindus it is one of the most important festivals, and in some parts of India it marks the beginning of the new year. It is also a significant festival for the Sikh community. It is celebrated by letting of fireworks by children to really light up the whole of India. It is celebrated not only in India but also abroad. The Hindus worship the god Ganesh during the Diwali. Hindus celebrate the festival by lighting up candles and letting fire crackers off.