An Essay On Diwali, Festival Of Lights

An essay on Diwali is a very popular festival in India. Commonly known as Deepavali, translated as “row of lights,” Diwali is celebrated with great fanfare throughout India. This is the most celebrated festival among Hindus. It symbolizes Lord Rama’s victory over evil when he killed Ravana, a demon king that ruled over Lanka (now known as Sri Lanka). The basis of the Hindu religion is the Ramayana, which is the complete story of Lord Rama. Diwali allows people to understand their true inner self. It is the spirit that awakens those who celebrate it and brings peace and prosperity to homes and surroundings. People all across India light up “diyas” or small clay lamps around their homes inviting inner joy and peace.

While writing essays on Diwali, it is important to mention the Hindu calendar, an ancient record of dates founded by great Indian astronomers. The Hindu calendar determines the dates for celebrating Diwali, which usually occurs in Late October or November. It all depends on the lunar cycle. In 2010, it would be celebrated on November 3 and would extend for five days. On the first day, cities, towns and villages would be lit up. The atmosphere is joyous. Households, especially those of businessmen, invite Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Farmers celebrate the first day by worshiping the cow, the main source of their income.

The second day is “small Diwali” and the womenfolk prepare for festivities of the following day. Children and the older folk burst crackers in anticipation of the main festivities on the third day. Ladies prepare motifs and other deigns symbolic of pleasing and welcoming Goddess Lakshmi by evening. Early on the third day or “Big Diwali,” the entire household is awake before daybreak. They have bath, offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and pray for wealth and prosperity. Before daybreak, the entire nation would know it is Diwali, as the skies are lit up with fireworks and the noise of crackers is truly spontaneous and widespread.

On the fourth day, “Padwa” or “Govardhan Puja” as it is called in North India is celebrated. An essay on Diwali should record this interesting story. In ancient India, people used to worship Lord Indra for adequate rainfall. Lord Krishna asks them to pray to Mount Govardhan for rainfall instead. On learning that the people had stopped worshiping him, Lord Indra sends forth heavy rains. Lord Krishna protects the people by lifting Mount Govardhan on his finger to form an umbrella. From that day forth, people build small hillocks made of cow dung and worship Lord Govardhan. In the villages, great importance is given to the harvest festival, celebrated on the second day of Diwali. The above story is significant, because farmers in India depend entirely on the monsoons in most parts of India.

The bonds of love between brothers and sisters are renewed on the fifth day of Diwali, known as “Bhaubeej.” Throughout India, people find different ways to celebrate. Symbolism is evident most customs. Essays on Diwali should bring the message of love, wealth and prosperity to all. It would truly make the world a better place to live in.