Celebration

India, the land of multiculturalism and diversity is enriched with colors, cultural heritage and traditions. Festivals play a vital role in the lives of people of India and make us feel proud for the number of festivals we enjoy throughout the year. Various festivals are being held which exhibit the uniqueness of a rich Indian culture. Celebrations happen all over the year, but the most exciting time happens from October to January, when the county is in a vibrant swing.

People of different religions go on fasts and worship Gods and Goddesses they believe in. Durga Puja followed by Dussehra, Diwali, Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Holi, Pongal, Eid, Onam, and Christmas are some of the festivals celebrated during this period of time. All the festivals have their own importance and are celebrated in their own unique way by different religions and communities.

I enjoy all the festivals celebrated at different times of the year carrying their own unlikeliness/uniqueness and importance. I would like to talk about Diwali today. Diwali is a harvest festival, also known as the festival of light. It honors the victory of good over evil and brightness over darkness. Diwali is an auspicious occasion when Lord Ram returned with Maa Sita and her younger brother Lakshman to Ayodhya (his kingdom) after 14 years of banishment. Lamps and lights are lit, and decorations are done inside and outside the houses.

The festival is also widely associated with the goddess of prosperity (Maa Laxmi), worshiped for a healthy and prosperous life. New clothing, home decorations, fireworks, gifts and sweets are purchased. Gifts and sweets are exchanged amongst families and friends. People arrange their houses by deep cleaning, renovations and decorations (Rangoli, Lights (LEDs)). Feasts are also organised to celebrate the festival of light. People get together to enjoy music, dance, play games and relish food. The celebration of Diwali lasts for 4 to 5 days, begins with the festival of "Dhanteras" two days before Diwali and ends with the celebration of "Bhai Dooj" two days after Diwali.

I simply love the season and the festivals it energizes and how it brightens up our days.