As another year draws its curtains slowly,we are engulfed in a myriad of festivals,the forthcoming one being diwali(deepawali). Diwali is a hindu festival of lights and is celebrated in a grand manner in india.It celebrates the triumph of good over evil,light over darkness and hope over despair.

According to hindu mythology,diwali was celebrated for the first time when Lord Rama(symbolising Good) trounced raavan(symbolising Evil) and rescued his spouse Sita from his captivity.People of ayodhya celebrated this event by lighting earthen diyas,and it has continued since then in india.As the festival coincides with amavarsha(new moon night),it is believed by people that evil demons can haunt their homes on that day and so they light their houses with diyas to ward off evil.

Diwali is also seen as a celebration of goddess lakshmi,the goddess of wealth.She is thought to visit every house on that day and fill it with wealth and prosperity.In some parts of india especially west bengal,goddess kali is worshipped.

Diwali in india is not just a festival of lights but a festival of togetheness,of spreading happiness,of fostering new relations and healing soiled ones.People throng bazaars,malls to buy new clothes,gold and silver articles and a host of other goods before this festival.Gifts are exchanged among friends and near and dear ones to lift the spirits and churn up emotions.The bursting of crackers and spreading of rangoli patterns add enthusiasm and colour to this beautiful festival.

I cant find any other reason why this festival is widely accepted and loved all over the world.Tourists come in hordes to india to witness the grandeur of this spectacle of lights and go back with colourful memories.

But in the midst of all these there are many unfortunate who can't revel in these festivities.For poor homeless families,its just a normal day.If diwali is considered a festival of togetherness and spreading of happiness,lets bring a smile on those not so fortunate faces.Believe me those smiles will make your diwali a delightful one.