Diwali takes place every year in late October and early November, lasting for 5 days to welcome a new year in the Hindu religion and also representing for the power of justice, especially in the celebration of the victory which Lord Rama hero and his wife Sita gained from fighting over the bad force. This festival takes place in mid-October or November. To enjoy Diwali rituals, the best place that you should go to is the "pink city” of Jaipur because of the annual competition it hosts to find the lightest markets.
For many Indians, Diwali is the occasion to express reverence for Lakshmi, the goddess of happiness, prosperity and beauty. They believe that with the help from the goddess, they are getting luck and success in everyday life. Nowadays, Diwali is a combination of diverse and complex religious rituals, becoming the biggest festival of Hindus during the year.
The first day, Dhanatrayodashi (or Dhan Teras) day, is the day of prosperity and wealth. People often go buying gold and housewares. The second day, Naraka Chaturdashi, is the day that the Narakasura demon got killed. It is they day to celebrate the victory of the good over the evil and the light wins over the darkness. The third day, Lakshmi Puja, is the most important day in the festival. On this day, Indian families worship Lakshmi and Ganesa god who are believed to stand for the “good beginnings”. People light up the lamps and candles everywhere in the house and on the street. The fouth day, Govardhan Puja (also called Annakut) day, is the day Krishna defeated Indra. On this day, the food dish is beautifully decorated and arranged in small portions which look like small mountains. Each “moutain” represents for each challenge that Krishma had to overcome. On Govardhan Puja day, husbands often give presents for his wife. The last day, Bhaduj, is the day for you to you meet family members, express care and show affection for each other.
Diwali is the festival of "pleasure - light - happiness". That is the reason why that before the festival happens, Indian people often cleanup, paint houses, put on decorative lights and candles in the home and in the street. The altar of ancestors is always full of the fruits for Gods. During the festival, India had almost no night and the fireworks light up the sky brightly. Everyone from all ages wears new clothes, gather and pay each other visits. In the bright light, fanciful and fun atmosphere with singing and dancing, people get closer, understand each other better and become more tolerant. Diwali festival of lights is an opportunity for the people of India to learn to forgive others, allowing themselves live happily and calmly.
