Deepavali is a festival of lights. Diwali is a corrupt form of
Deepavali. Deepavali means row of lights. It is a symbol of victory of light
over darkness. People celebrate Deepavali as they have come to light out of
darkness. Deepavali comes on the new moon day in the 'Aswayuja month'. It is
preceded by 'Naraka Chaturdasi' on which day Lord Krishna killed the demon
Narakasura with the help of his wife Satyabhama. It is celebrated all over India.
Deepavali is a day meant to do 'Pujas' to Goddess 'Lakshmi’ the Goddess of
wealth. There are many other reasons given to celebrate Deepavali. Jains say
that Lord Mahavira attained 'Nirvana' and went to heaven on that day. The
Hindus believe that it is the day on which Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after
vanquishing Ravana. Deepavali is a two day festival. In South India
the Naraka Chaturdasi is also considered important. The newly weds go to their
inlaws houses without fail. Houses are white washed, painted, and cleaned.
Everyone wears new clothes after oil-bath on Naraka Chaturdasi day. People
celebrate the victory of Lord Krishna by burning crackers. Deepavali, the next
day, is Lakshmi Puja Day. Merchants and shopkeepers close their accounts of
the previous year and open new accounts. Shops are well decorated and alms are
given to the poor. By evening all the houses are decorated with lamps. Rich
people decorate their houses with good illumination. Those who observe
tradition light oil lamps. Girls and women take a lot of time arranging the
lamps. Then the Gouri Puja or Lakshmi Puja starts. An idol of Gouri is made and
it is decorated with all jewels. Rich food is offered to the deity and prayers
are said requesting the deity to give wealth. Merchants do the Lakshmi Puja
late in the night and keep awake. They believe Goddess Lakshmi enters their
houses at midnight. Deepavali is a
festival enjoyed by everyone. Every housewife purchases something new in the
shape of gold. Purchase of silk sarees is a must for the festival. There are
some ill-effects also. People indulge in gambling on Diwali day and lose a lot
of money. Burning crackers injures a few. It is a festival of lights and a
festival of joy throughout India.
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