The Diwali

"The festival of lights and sweets". The warriors came come.

Festivals in India are an essential part of our national life. India is a land of different cultures and religions. So there are different festivals of many kinds. They may be historical, religious, or seasonal. They bring a great zeal and vigor to our life. We learn the lesson of integration. Festivals are a symbol of faith in God. They lend charm and delight to our life. Diwali is one of the most colorful, sacred, and loveliest festivals of India. It is celebrated with great pomp and show.

Diwali is an important festival of Hindus. It is celebrated in honor of Lord Rama. On this day, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. It comes off the 20th day after Dussehra. The Hindu and Sikhs celebrate it with great joy and enthusiasm. Great preparations are made for the day. Houses, buildings, shops, temples are thoroughly cleaned, whitewashed, and decorated with pictures, toys, and flowers. They look as beautiful as a newly wedded girl

It is a festival of lights. The people light earthen lamps, candles, and electric lights on the top of their houses and gates. People go to their relatives to greet them. Children feel very happy. They take great interest in fireworks, skyrockets, and explosive crackers. They look cheerful. There is a great rush at the sweets shops. There is a lot of Diwali rush in the bazaars. Special Diwali bazaars are seen. This day is considered to be very auspicious. It is also considered a new year's day by the traders. They open new accounts and close the old ones.

Many people celebrate Diwali as Lakshmi Puja. They worship the goddess of wealth-Lakshmi. Sikhs celebrate Diwali in honor of their sixth Guru Hargobind. He was released by the emperor Jahangir from the Gwalior jail along with fifty-two kings. Some people drink on this day, some people gamble. At night children play with fireworks.

Maharishi Dayanand left for his heavenly abode on this day. So Arya Samaj celebrates in his honor.

There are different reasons and ways to celebrate Diwali. All of them teach us to remain pious and to illuminate ourselves and propagate, the message of love and brotherhood. The bad habits of gambling and drinking should be avoided. We are passing through hard times. Wasteful expenditure should be avoided for better tomorrow.

"No such delight can other festivals bring, 

As Diwali, Dussehra, Holi, and Spring."