Deepawali, also known as Diwali, is a popular Hindu festival that is celebrated throughout India and by Hindus around the world. It is a five-day festival that commemorates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
Diwali is an annual festival that occurs in late October or early November, depending on the lunar calendar. It is a time of celebration, coming together with loved ones, and exchanging gifts and sweets. The festival is marked by the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil, which are placed in rows outside homes and in temples. These lamps, known as diyas, are meant to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and the celebration of knowledge and enlightenment.
One of the most significant stories associated with Diwali is the legend of Lord Rama, who is revered as an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama was exiled from his kingdom for 14 years and had to fight a fierce battle against the demon king, Ravana, to rescue his wife, Sita, who had been abducted by Ravana. Upon his return to his kingdom, Lord Rama was greeted with the lighting of diyas, which is why the festival is also known as the "Festival of Lights."
In addition to the lighting of diyas, Diwali is also marked by the performance of puja, or prayers, to the gods and goddesses. People also participate in the exchange of gifts, such as sweets and dry fruits, and dress in their finest clothing. The festival is also a time for cleaning and decorating homes, as it is believed to bring prosperity and good luck.
Diwali is a time of joy and celebration for Hindus around the world. It is a festival that promotes the values of love, brotherhood, and unity, and serves as a reminder of the victory of good over evil. It is a time to come together with loved ones and to celebrate the blessings of the year.