The spirit of Deepavali, the spirit of India.
No matter how we say it, Diwali means the same to everybody who celebrates the triumph of good over evil, of knowledge over ignorance and of light over darkness.
Diwali has historically been associated with the victorious return of Rama from exile after vanquishing the evil Ravana in battle. Since then, it has also been associated with the victory of good over evil whenever it had happened over the centuries.
Diwali is also the occasion when the goddess of wealth Lakshmi is worshipped as the harbinger of health and prosperity. It also ushers in the New Year as well as the financial year in many Indian states.
Festivites rule the roost on Diwali when people get up early, dress up in new clothes and worship. Home-made delicacies are prepared and exchanged with neighbors and friends. Friends, neighbors and relatives treat each other with offerings of home-made sweets as a token of mutual trust, respect and goodwill. For most people, Diwali is synonymous with fireworks that are set off that evening to light up the dark skies. Diwali almost always falls on new moon day during October-November. Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights (in my opinion, for the benefit of those who are not very conversant with the Indian way of life).
All-in-all, like in most Indian festivals, Diwali brings with it bonhomie all around, pomp and gaiety, and the colors and smiles that light up the whole day followed up with the fireworks that light up the night and beyond.
posted by av @ 9:10 AM
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