Happy Diwali !!

Hi, World !! wishing you folks a very happy Diwali .May this Diwali bring prosperity and ring in good fortunes.  

Rangoli

                                                            Rangoli                   

• Diwali or Deepawali, is not only festival of lights, but also marks the beginning of the Hindu new year. The customs of wearing new garments and exchanging gifts and greetings have come to be associated with Diwali, probably because of this New Year celebrations。The occasion sees the spring-cleaning and white-washing of houses; decorative designs or rangolis are painted on floors and walls to greet the new year. 

•  It is one of the most important Indian national celebrations as it is believed that the Hindu goddess of good luck visits homes that are brightly lit. Children make "deeps" which are small clay lamps to light and bring the good luck goddess to their home so they can receive new clothes and toys。The first day of Diwali is also a New Year of Business. Companies pay off debts and their vehicles  are decorated with flowers and palm leaves to bless them  to run well in the new year.

• The literal meaning of 'Diwali' in Sanskrit is 'a row of lamps'. The most popular tradition of Diwali is filling little clay lamps with oil and wick and lighting them in rows all over the house. Even today, the tradition projects the rich and glorious past of our country and teaches us to uphold the true values of life.

• Each region of India celebrates Diwali in its own way, but the lighting of many small earthenware oil lamps is common throughout the country, setting homes and gardens aglow with twinkling lights. The lamps are symbolic of the victory of the light of goodness and knowledge over the darkness of evil and ignorance. The lighting of the lamps is also a way for people to show thanks for the good things in their lives. As it is celebrated on the new moon (Amavasya) night, lights and fireworks have a significant role to play in this festival. 

  

• Gifts are exchanged on diwali day and this is not a recent trend. From ancient times this has been followed. During early times, when Indian households solely depend on farming and cattle rearing for their livelihood, even then people used to give their farm produce on this day. Sweets and decorative were also produced at home and gifted. In those times  gifts were not expensive but they were considered a token of love and good wishes.

• Playing cards is extremely popular on Diwali day. It is said that on playing cards, the goddess of wealth smile upon the player and ensures her goodwill. The memories of Diwali night can be joyful to the winners and the losers can't wait for the next Diwali to come around.

• The tradition of gambling on Diwali also has a legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva and she decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year. This tradition of playing cards- flush and rummy with stakes on this particular day continues even to-day.

Happy Diwali

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