An Indian Festival

India is a land of festivals. The Hindus and Sikhs celebrate a festival almost every month. Diwali is the most important festival in India. It is celebrated in honor of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after his fourteen years’ exile. This festival comes off every year on the twentieth day after Dussehra. It is generally celebrated in the month of October. It marks the beginning of the winter season. Preparations for the festival are made several days in advance. Houses and shops are whitewashed and given a coat of paint. The bazaars and streets look neat and clean. When the festival day comes, people put on their best clothes. They exchange Diwali greetings. They also share sweets with each other. Sweets, toys, and crackers sell like hotcakes. At night, shops and houses are brightly illuminated. Fireworks are left off. Some people gamble on this day. Drinking becomes a must. The festival keeps the memory of Lord Rama fresh in the hearts of the Hindus. The festival also marks the beginning of the financial year on this day.