Deepawali

     Deepawali is the greatest of Indian festivals. It is the most beautiful and joyful of them all. It comes towards the close of the dark period of ashwin that falls usually in the month of October or November. The season at this time is pleasant. It is the beginning of winter. The air is cool and crisp.It is known as the festival of lights. The festival lasts for days, and each has a religious significance. It marks the beginning of the business year for traders. They worship their account- books ceremoniously on that day.

    The word Deepawali means a row of lamps. It is the festival of lamps. Long before it arrives, people start cleaning, whitewashing and decorating their houses. Then the festival begins. Every house, even the humblest hut, has its line of lights, illuminating the dusk. People rise early. The young let off crackers. Women draw lovely rangolis and make sweets. There is a riot of lights and color, sweetness and music and mirth. There are happy family unions. The spirit of delight reigns supreme. The joys of the festival are divine.

Rangoli

    Bazaars go gay with festoons, hunting’s and colored lanterns. They display a wide variety of goods in an attractive and artistic way. Circuses and picture and other entertainment draw full houses.Then comes the crowning glory of it all, the New Year Days, for Deepawali marks the approach of the new year of the Hindu calendar. People are out of their houses before daybreak, dressed in their best, to wish a happy new year to their friends and relatives. During this festival of lights, gladness and goodwill flood the world.