What makes the Festival of Diwali so special?

For several thousand of years there has been one prevailing message that India celebrates on the occasion of Diwali that is the victory of light over darkness. Just as light brightens darkness, discovering inner fulfillment can eliminate any disorder or discomfort. Let us resonate the age old spirit of Diwali all round the world this diwali...

The bright light of earthen diyas , colourful paper lanterns and the shimmering strings of artificial bulbs make the spirit of the festival Diwali. Every year Indians all across the world get into a festive groove to celebrate the festival . This festival of light, pomp and gaiety has indeed become a part of our identity.

The festival of Diwali is the most widely celebrated in India and many love to define it as a festival of lights. Symbolizing the victory of good over evil, the diya's are lighted to recall the legendary return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana . The glory of light of Diwali is inexplicable in words for you need to experience the same to know what Deepawali means in its true spirit. We have yet another legend that talks about Nakasura a demon and a trouble maker to the gods. It was Lord Krishna and Satyabama who killed the demon. These Legends have been passed down from one generation to another as a part of tradition and culture that shows the deep connection we Indian have with our roots.

The date of the festival of Diwali is set by the Hindu calendar so one can see variations in the date of the Western calendar each year. However, it usually falls in October or November. This year the festival of Diwali is falling on the 3rd of November, 2013. Like every year, this festival will be celebrating Indian New Year as per the Vikrama Calendar. Precisely the festival of light falls in the month of Kartika on a new moon day.

Besides having a social significance, the festival of Diwali has great significance for the business community. Business people regard it as a favourable day to start a new accounting year because of the festival's got a deep rooted association with the goddess of wealth Maa Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi is goddess of wealth and riches and the beauty of Indian culture celebrates and worships the goddess on the occasion of Diwali, to shower blessing of wealth and prosperity.

Festival of Diwali is an occasion that unites the whole country celebrating the spirit of the occasion, in both rural and urban India. Farmers and villagers in India, rejoice on this occasion celebrating their successful harvest. Paying homage to Nature and seeking the blessing of Nature to bless the farmers with a good crop each year, reiterates the attitude of gratitude that is so much a part of Indian culture.

Though the festival of Diwali is celebrated in very many different ways all over the world, there are some basics that just don't change. These rituals come down from one generation to another and are also a means to introduce youngsters to the rich Indian traditional heritage. In most homes people build a small altar to Goddess Lakshmi and conduct a worship ceremony asking Lord Ganesha and Ma Lakshmi to bless them with wealth. Hindus will leave the windows and doors of their houses open so that Goddess Lakshmi can come in. Vibrant Rangoli designs are drawn at the main entrance. Rangoli a traditional art is all about patterns and the most popular rangoli of the Festival of Diwali is the lotus flower.

The Kitchen in Indian households is filled with the exotic aroma of traditional food and sweets of all kinds. The mouth watering delicacies made on the occasion have become popular not just in India but outside India. An occasion of feasting fun and gaiety, lighting lamps, candles, diyas and artificial lights makes the night of Diwali an unforgettable experience all year through.

Though a lot of hue and cry about firecrackers and the amount of noise they create, yet the festival of Diwali is incomplete without fireworks and firecrackers. Over a period of time people have become conscious about the ill effects of fire crackers and many stay away from them. With government norms getting stringent about the use of firecrackers things are changing for good, without stealing the spirit of festivities during Diwali.

To Indians all over the world, the festival of Diwali is more than just an occasion. It means rebonding , it means strengthening ties to their motherland - India as well as passing on the rich traditional and cultural heritage that , we are so proud of. Not just the Hindus but various other communities come together and celebrate the victory of good over evil spreading the light of truth to put an end to darkness. AstroSage.com wishes you a Happy Diwali !!