Diwali is one of the biggest Hindu festivals and for five days in India it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness.
Background
Diwali is associated with wealth and prosperity and the celebrations last for five days. The first day of Diwali is known as Dhanteras but the main celebrations occur on the third day called Amavasya which is the Indian name for the new moon.
Colourful fireworks are associated with the festival and people light up candles and small earthenware oil lamps called diyas around their houses. They perform Laxmi Puja in the evening and seek divine blessings of Lakshmi who is the goddess of wealth. Diwali is a great favourite with children due to the lights, fireworks and sweets that are involved,
Because houses, shops and public places are decorated with diyas, Diwali is also known as the 'festival of lights'. The lamps are traditionally fuelled by mustard oil and are placed in rows in windows, doors and outside buildings as a decoration. The lamps are lit to help the goddess Lakshmi find her way into people's homes. In India oil lamps are often floated across the river Ganges and it is regarded as a good omen if the lamp manages to get all the way across.
The name of the festival comes from the Sanskrit word dipavali, meaning row of lights. As a harvest festival and a celebration of the lunar new year, Diwali has strong astrological energies similar to other festivals the world over. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
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