Diwali: The Biggest festival for the Hindus

Diwali is the most awaited festival in India. This year it is on November 11, 2015.

First of all, Team lazoi wishes you a very Happy and Prosperous Diwali.

As India is a land of different religions and all the religions have different festivals and fairs, which are celebrated every year. But Diwali is a festival which is celebrated equally by all the religions. In Hinduism, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya after defeating Ravana this signify the victory of good over evil. In Sikhism, Diwali commemorates the return of Guru Har Gobind Ji to Amritsar after freeing 50 Hindu Kings imprisoned in Fort Gwalior by Emperor Jahangir. People light candles and divas to celebrate his return.

This festival is celebrated in the month of October or November according to the Hindu calendar. It falls every year in the month of Kartik. This is the end of rainy season and the beginning of the winter season. The weather is very pleasant as it is neither hot nor cold.

Diwali is celebrated for 5 days which are Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, Lakshmi Pujan or Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Duj. All these days have different significance. On Dhanteras Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles or at least one or two new utensils. It is believed that new "Dhan" or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck. "Lakshmi-Puja" is performed in the evenings when tiny Diyas of clay are lit to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. "Bhajans"-devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are also sung.

The second day marks the celebration of Chhoti Diwali. This day has a lot of religious significance for people, as it is on this day that Lord Krishna defeated the devil Narakasur, thus giving a sigh of relief to the people.

The Third day is the main day. It is the Lakshmi Pujan or Diwali. The Lakshmi Puja is dedicated to the Lakshmi Goddess of prosperity and wealth. Lakshmi Pujan is performed in every home after sunset. Diwali is also considered as a New Year for Business. People buy new clothes and Exchange Diwali Gifts in India on this day. Diwali is also about enlightenment of soul and burning of all our bad times. It is about coming over the darkness of ignorance and stepping into a cleaner and brighter world.

The Fourth day is the Govardhan Puja and the Fifth Day is Bhai Duj. Bhai-Duj is a Hindu festival that celebrates the love and affection between a brother and a sister. 'Bhai' means brother and 'Duj' means two days after new moon. Every year the festival comes two days after Diwali in Kartik month.

Before Diwali many preparations are done. Houses are white washed and well cleaned. The walls are decorated with curtains and pictures. In every house sweets are prepared or purchased from the market. Sweets are exchanged among friends and relatives. Gifts are also distributed among relatives and friends.

The day itself is marked with great rejoicing and merry-making. Diwali is also known as the festival of lights. The illumination at night is a sight to see. There are rows of light to be seen on the roof of every house building. Earthen lamps are lighted in large numbers. Many people now use multi coloured electric bulbs to illuminate their houses. The festival ends with the worship of goddess Lakshmi in the night followed by lightning firecrackers. A picture or a small idol of the goddess is bathed in milk, prayers are offered, and sweets are distributed.

The best thing about Diwali is that it is a festival of the masses and people of any caste or religion can join in the celebrations. Diwali is thus able to symbolize a communal spirit which is the reason why it has become one of the most popular festivals across the globe.