Celebration

There are many different types of festivals in India, such as Diwali, Navratri, Dasera, Holi, Janmasthmi, Uttarayan (kite-flying). Among these, Diwali is the most celebrated festival of all. Diwali is known as the ‘festival of lights’ and ‘victory of good over evil’ for Hindus.

There is an important historical story behind this. A devil, named Ravan kidnapped Sita, the wife of one of our lords, Ram. Then, Lord Ram killed Ravan and helped Sita escape. They all returned to their kingdom on the day now known as Diwali. The villagers decorated the kingdom with lights. They made different dishes for Lord Ram and Sita and enjoyed the celebrations.

Hindus celebrate for five days with five different festivals called Dhan Teras, Kali Chaudas, Diwali, New Year and Bhai Beej. They worship the Goddess Laxmi in Dhan Teras. Diwali is celebrated with fireworks. People make decorations on the floor with a design called rangoli. Young people take blessings from older people. Women make different dishes and offer these dishes to their relatives and friends. People wish a happy new year to their friends and family. Diwali is celebrated on a different day each year as it is based on the lunar calendar but usually falls in November or late October.