Diwali is the biggest and one of the most famous and light-hearted festivals celebrated by billions of people. It is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm throughout India and by also Indians in foreign countries.
It becomes the symbol of unity. India has been celebrating this festival for thousands of years and continues to celebrate it even today.
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My Favourite Festival is Diwali
India, renowned as the land of festivals, is characterized by its cultural diversity, faith, and religious beliefs among people of various religions. Diwali, also known as the festival of lights is the biggest and one of the most famous and light-hearted festivals celebrated by billions of people. Diwali is celebrated with immense fervor and enthusiasm throughout India, as well as by the Indian diaspora worldwide. Occurring in the months of October and November, Diwali takes place 20 days after the festival of Dussehra and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
The roots of Diwali trace back to Hindu mythology, where Lord Rama, an incarnation of the deity Vishnu, played a central role. Lord Rama was the son of Dashratha, the ruler of Ayodhya. Despite being a mighty warrior king, Lord Rama was compelled to undergo a fourteen-year exile due to a conspiracy hatched by his stepmother. Displaying unwavering devotion, Lord Rama accepted this decree, and his wife Sita and brother Lakshman accompanied him into the forest.
Towards the end of their exile, Ravana, the powerful king of Lanka, became captivated by Sita’s beauty and abducted her, taking her to Lanka. Determined to rescue Sita, Lord Rama and Lakshman embarked on a mission to Lanka, accompanied by Lord Rama’s greatest devotee, Hanuman. Lord Rama ultimately vanquished Ravana and brought back his beloved wife. Upon their return to Ayodhya, the people warmly welcomed them by illuminating the entire city with rows of clay lamps and setting off fireworks. This grand celebration commemorated Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
In contemporary times, Diwali continues to be celebrated with similar enthusiasm. People engage in thorough cleaning and decoration of their homes fifteen days before Diwali. New clothes are purchased and worn on this auspicious day. As evening descends, homes are adorned with tube lights, clay lamps (diyas), and candles, symbolically dispelling darkness and welcoming the presence of deities. According to Hindu beliefs, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is believed to visit households and bestow prosperity. To welcome the goddess, Hindus worship Lakshmi, light candles and diyas at their doorsteps, and leave their doors open.
My favourite festival is Diwali as Diwali brings immense joy and excitement to people’s lives. It strengthens the bonds of kinship and camaraderie. On this occasion, a variety of sweets are prepared at home and distributed among friends and relatives. Invitations are extended to loved ones, and visits to relatives and friends are made, accompanied by the exchange of gifts and dry fruits.
However, this celebration does come with certain drawbacks. Careless bursting of firecrackers can cause harm to individuals, and accidents such as fires can result in significant damage to life and property. Furthermore, the smoke and noise generated by fireworks contribute to health problems and increased pollution levels. The government advises caution and encourages the use of eco-friendly alternatives like sky lanterns instead of traditional firecrackers.
My favourite festival is Diwali as Diwali unifies the entire nation as a festival celebrated across its length and breadth. It serves as a day of rejoicing, signifying the victory of good over evil. Diwali fosters belief in virtuous deeds and marks a day of happiness, joy, and the triumph of righteousness. This festival is celebrated with extraordinary zeal in every town and city of India, and by Indians residing in foreign countries. It has become a symbol of unity, and after thousands of years, India continues to cherish and revel in the spirit of Diwali.
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