Diwali also called Deepawali is one among the most important Hindu festival celebrated across India and Nepal. The name Deepawali has its origin from Sanskrit meaning “rows of deepam” and this festival is commonly called as “The Festival of lights”. It is also being celebrated by Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. Though the customs of celebrating Diwali varies from place to place the origin of traditions and the feel of joy spread an oneness amongst human. Diwali is known in different names in various places and is celebrated for various reasons but there is no Diwali without crackers at any place. Crackers play the vital role during Diwali and as there are crackers available for all age groups now, it has become a custom that people at all age groups have to burst crackers on this great day. In India and Malaysia, it is celebrated on the seventh month of the solar calendar and is celebrated for the success of Lord Rama over the ten head Ravana. This success is considered as the victory of good over evil. On this day, people start the celebrations by having oil bath. In some places of India, lamps made out of clay are lit using oil but in all places it is celebrated with crackers, homemade sweets, new dresses and delicious dishes. People also share the sweets with their neighbors and by this way people of all castes and creeds are brought together on this day. The lamps and the crackers that are burst on this great day symbolize the victory of success over darkness and to drive away the evil from everyone’s lives. In Nepal, Deepawali is known as Tihar and this festival is attributed to the elephant God, Ganesha and the Goddess Lakshmi. Here, they celebrate Diwali for five days and on the fifth day, sisters in the family pray for their brother’s well being and this day is known as Bhhaya Dooj; The most recent and the exciting news about this year’s Diwali is that it was celebrated by U.S President Barack Obama on Thursday 16th Oct 2009 by lighting the ceremonial lamp at the White house. Author: Vinupradha (Chennai)   … [Read more...]