India is a country of varied heritage in the realm of dance,?music, and?festivals. Over the years it has become a?dwelling?of love and pain, light and?shadows. It?contains diverse heritage features?together, all under one roof.?Diwali?is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year in?the?autumn. The festival begins on?Dhanteras, two days before?Diwali and ends?Bhai?Dooj, two days after?Diwali.
Image: ondasderuido on Flickr
During this?festival ?people?usually?clean, renovate, and decorate their houses?and offices?before it. On the days of Diwali, ?people?wear?new clothes, light up?diyas?(lamps and candles) inside and outside their house, participate in family?puja?(prayers) to?Lakshmi?? the goddess?of?wealth and light fireworks. They engage in family feasts, sharing?mithai?(sweets), and exchange gifts between family members and close friends.
Image: Aditya Sahay on Flickr
Depending on the region within India, ?mythology, and beliefs, the?spiritual?connotation?of the festival varies. Across the world,?most of people celebrate?Diwali?in?honor of the return of Lord Rama, wife?Sita, brother?Lakshmana?and Lord Hanuman to?Ayodhya?from exile of 14 years after Rama defeated?Ravana. This is done to honor and celebrate Lord Rama,?Sita,?Lakshmana?and Hanuman returning from Sri Lanka and to?enlighten?their path. Villagers light?Diyas?to celebrate the?triumph?of good over evil.
Very well written article Pranav, keep it up!