India is a country of festivals and fairs. In India, many festivals are celebrated every year like Holi, Diwali, Dussehra , Raksha Bandhan and many more. But the most awaited festival in India is Diwali, which is also known as the festival of lights. This festival is celebrated by Sikhs, Janis, and Hindus for many reasons, but the common theme is the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Diwali is celebrated at the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the winter season. Sometimes, it takes place towards the end of October and at sometimes in November. This year, 7th November is the most awaited date because the festival of lights, Diwali is coming on this day.
The festival has its historical and religious background. According to the Hindu religion, on this day, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana after 14 years of exile during which he fought and won a battle against the demon king of Lanka, Ravana. According to Mahabharata, Krishna killed Tarakasura on this day. So, the people of Dwarka celebrated the victory in cheers and lights. Jainism says that it is the day when Mohair got nirvana. For Sikhs, Diwali is important because on this day in 1619, the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind and 52 other princes with him was released from the famous fort of Gwalior. Overall the festival of Diwali is celebrated by most religious peoples for different reasons.
Normally, the preparation of Diwali is started many days before the festival. People clean and white-wash their Houses and varnish and polish their Furniture, windows, and doors. They decorate the walls with pictures and curtains. Some people specially prepare festoons and buntings for the occasion. Some people make sweets at home and some purchase from the market. People celebrate this festival by exchanging sweets and gifts with friends and relatives.
The day itself is marked with great joy and merry-making. ‘Diwali’ word is derived from the Sanskrit word “Deepawali” and its meaning is “row of light”. The best part of the Diwali comes in the evening. The lighting at night is a view to see. On the roof of every house building, there are rows of light to be seen. Earthen lamps are lighted in large numbers. These days, many people use multicolored electric bulbs to light up their houses. The fireworks, crackers light the sky and kill a lot of mosquitoes and inspect which breed during the rainy season. The festival ends with the worship of goddess Lakshmi at night. A picture or a small idol of the goddess is bathed in milk, prayers are offered, and sweets are distributed at that time.
The festival has its dark side too. The display of crackers and fireworks at this time is nothing but sheer waste money. Besides, a little carelessness in dealing with the fireworks causes huge damage to property and our life. Newspapers report a lot of such mishaps on this occasion. With the celebration, environmental pollution is highly increased also. This is because of the bursting of various types of fireworks and crackers during this festival. They are dangerous as they release toxic pollutants like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and others which get mixed with the air and cause several deadly diseases. It affects the people of all age group. Not only human beings, but it also affects the lives of birds, animals and other living beings. However, these days, Government is trying hard to reduce this. Schools and various organizations are hardly trying to educate the people for the pollution-free festival and media is also supporting. We must practice celebrating the pollution free Diwali every year to save the environment.
It is also traditional to gamble on this day. Some people suffer from heavy losses. Actually, gambling begins several days before the festival. The person who loses, mainly among the poorer sections, try to make good their loss through thefts. Hence, there is a marked increase in crime. So, everyone should away from these things.
Diwali is a festival where people keep harsh feelings aside and try to forget their problems and enjoy this day. The festival develops the friendship and feeling of brotherhood. In conclusion, Diwali not only brings people together but also provides the purpose, meaning and hope through the use of celebrations.
May the mirth and merriment of the magical festival of lights give you endless moments of joy and love! Happy Diwali to all of you!