Celebration

Diwali is a very important festival and is celebrated in every part of India. On this day, people decorate the temples as well as houses with lights. Diwali is celebrated by both Hindu and Sikh communities.

Hindus celebrate Diwali because on this day, Lord Ram Chandra came to Ayodhya with his wife, Sita, and his brother from Banvas (a jungle) after 14 years. When they came to Ayodhya, people lit up the houses and the streets in happiness. Additionally, the Sikhs celebrate the day because their sixth Guru, Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, was released with 52 princes from Emperor Jahangir, in 1916. So, people started to decorate the temples, Gurudwara Sahib, as well as houses. That’s why people celebrate this day every year with great pleasure.

Today’s people celebrate the festival with great fun. 5 to 10 days before Diwali, people start cleaning houses, shops, and markets and decorate with flowers or streamers. On the day of the festival, people cook different types of delicious foods like mathi, pakodas, and exchange gifts with families, co-workers, and relatives, and share happiness. People wear new clothes like saris, and kurta pajamas. At night time, people illuminate their houses with diyas, lamps made from clay, and candles. That’s why we also call the holiday the “Festival of Lights”. Moreover, people worship the Goddess Lakshami for peace and wealth.

I remember playing with firecrackers as a child. These days, children also use firecrackers in celebration of Diwali, but it is not good for health and the environment. In India, people are moving towards a green Diwali because teachers are suggesting to the students to plant trees instead of firecrackers, which cause pollution, to save the environment. I’m sad that this tradition is going away but I’m happy that we’re moving towards a greener Diwali.

I like the Diwali festival very much.