Diwali - An Essay by Manav
For Hindus Diwali is one of the most important festival in a year and is celebrated by performing traditional activities together.
Deepavali or Diwali is popularly known as the Festival of Lights or row of lamps.It is a five day Hindu festival which starts with dhanteras. It is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight ) of the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin and ends on bhaubheej and on this day many Indian communities start their financial year. The second day of the festival is known as Naraka Chaturti. Amavasya ,the third day of the festival also called as Diwali , marks the worship of goddess Lakshmî,the deity of wealth. The fourth day of the festival is known as Kartika Shuddha Padyami. The fifth day is referred as Yama Dwitiya ,and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.
The meaning of Diwali is its symbols and rituals.The reasons for celebrating it is innumerable. Diwali celebrates Lord Rama's glorious return to his kingdom Ayodhya , after a long exile of fourteen years in the forest . It commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura who had kidnapped and terrorized the Gopis of Vrindavan. When the evil Naraka was finally killed by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama , he begged for mercy.Thus upon Lord Krishna's entreaties it was declared that the day of Naraka's death would be celebrated with joy and festivity. This day is also celebrated as he day Bhagawan Vishnu married Maha Lakshmî. Diwali is associated with the story of Bali - a demon king who was conquered by Lord Vamana a incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Diwali is celebrated by bursting crackers. Houses are lit with lamps , diyas and colorful rangolis to welcome the guest.Thus Diwali is heralded as the triumph of good over evil.
By Manav Mukesh Vansjalia ( 11 yrs, BGS School)
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