Deepawali, or Diwali, is definitely the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. It translates to as the "Festival of Lights" and it is marked by four days of celebration, which literally illuminates the country with its brilliance and dazzles all with the joy it brings.
The origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was then an important harvest festival. However, there are various local legends, more of religious leaning, that live to tell the supposed origin of Diwali. As there are some that believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of a local deity named Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengali, the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength.
All the simple rituals of Diwali have a significance and a story to tell. The illumination of homes with lights, along with firecrackers on the evening sky, is an expression of obeisance to the heavens for the belief of attaining good health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity.
The first day of the Diwali Festival is named Naraka Chaturdasi and marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the second day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, so as to fulfill the prayers and wishes of her devotees. It is on the third day of Deepawali, named Kartika Shudda Padyami, wherein it said that the deity Bali steps out of hell and rules the earth according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu. The fourth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya, or also known as Bhai Dooj, in which on this day, sisters invite their brothers to their homes.
During the Diwali Festival, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of firecrackers, joy, togetherness and hope. Thus, making it very easy for travelers to find their way around town during the celebration and enjoy.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
