Diwali (26-10- 2011)

Diwali is one of the major Indian festivals celebrated all over India, with equal enthusiasm and zeal. Diwali is a five day festival that represents the start of the Hindu New Year. It honors the victory of good over evil, and brightness over darkness. It also marks the start of winter. Diwali is actually celebrated in honor of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom of Ayodhya, following Rama and monkey god Hanuman's defeat the demon King Ravana and rescue of Sita from his custody. In some places 'Diwali' is also know as 'Deewali' or 'Deepavali'; where 'Deep' means 'Diya or lights' and 'ali' means 'rows or lines'.

When is Diwali Celebrated:

In October or November, depending on the cycle of the moon. Diwali falls on Amavasya in Kartik month of Hindu Calender. Each day of the festival has a different meaning. First day is celebrated as ‘Dhanteras’ or 'Dhan Trayodashi'. Second day as ‘Narak Chaturdashi', which is popular as 'Chhoti Diwali'. In Rajasthan people also call this day as ‘Roop Chaudas’. ‘Diwali’ or ‘Badi Diwali’ ;the main festivities take place on the third day. The fourth day is celebrated as ‘Govardhan Parvat Pooja’. The fifth and last day is celebrated as ‘Bhai Duj’.