Diwali

Diwali, the King of Festivals is celebrated by everyone in India no matter what religion you follow.  The best time to visit India is during Diwali, everyone is part of the festivities. Diwali is a 6-day festival that mainly celebrates Indian New Year. In Northern India, the religious significance of Diwali is associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Laxman after 14 years of exile. It also is to celebrate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Diwali is a time to enjoy, show gratitude towards your wife and sister, and be thankful for everything you have.  This is a Festival of Lights. Houses are decorated with lights and oil lamps. Beautiful Rangolis (Mandalas and other designs made with colorful sands or rice flour) are drawn in homes.  Goddess Laxmi is worshipped for prosperity.  Shopping, cleaning, gambling, home decorations, and exchanging of gifts and sweets are part of the celebrations.  As a kid, I used to spend hours drawing Rangoli with my cousin. Adding dots of sand and creating patterns was part of everyone’s traditional designs. Sharing firecrackers with my brother, lighting oil lamps, and eating lots of sweets while reading Diwali special magazines specially created for kids was the best part. Getting up at 5 am, getting an oil massage, and bathing using special soap is a big part of Diwali rituals. There are always invitations for a special Diwali breakfast from friends and family. In the afternoon kids make sand castles ad by evening everyone gets ready in new clothes for Pooja (worshipping and offerings to gods). After the pooja roads are always bustling with firecrackers and people enjoying shopping. Everyone is out and about, celebrating this wonderful time.