Indians across the world are brimming with excitement as they prepare to celebrate Diwali, India's most magnificent festival of lights, also known as Deepawali.
The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and joy over sorrow.
Why is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali, the exuberant festival of lights, commemorates the legend of the magnificent return of Lord Ram to the historic city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, India, after enduring a challenging and arduous 14-year exile.
Lord Ram triumphantly rescued his beloved wife, Goddess Sita, by killing the ten-headed demon king, Ravana.
Hence, devotees celebrate the festival as the grand victory of good over evil.
Lakshmi Puja is also performed by people as they firmly believe that Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, visits the homes of her devotees and grants them abundant blessings and great fortune.
When is the Festival of Lights Celebrated This Year?
This year, choti Diwali will be celebrated on Saturday, November 11, while the main Diwali or Deepawali festival will fall on Sunday, November 12, two days after the Dhanteras festival.
On main Diwali day, scores of devotees perform Lakshmi Puja and worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha at their homes.
The auspicious time of worship on the main Diwali is from 5:39 p.m. (IST) to 7:35 p.m on Sunday.
How Do Indians Celebrate Diwali?
The preparations for the grand Diwali celebration begin way before the actual festival dates.
People declutter and clean their houses, get them painted, and redo the entire look.
People also go on a shopping spree to buy valuable goods like jewellery, electronics, household items, and gifts to exchange with friends and family.
People buy utensils as they mark 'Dhanteras', a day considered auspicious to make new purchases ahead of Diwali festival in New Delhi, India, Saturday. Oct. 22, 2022.
© AP Photo / Bhumika Saraswati
In India, every household, shop, monument, and building is adorned with dazzling lights and vibrant flowers, creating an enchanting spectacle.
People decorate them with flowers and rangolis (a traditional Indian art form using colorful flowers, sand, or powder to decorate a floor), and prepare Indian sweets and dishes.
In the evening, new clothes are worn, and Lakshmi puja is performed where devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and other idols of deities at their make-shift temple in their homes.
The entire house is lit up by lighting oil lamps (diyas) on their balcony, at their entrance, doorstep and rooftop, dispelling darkness from every dark nook and corner.
Moreover, Diwali celebrations are further enhanced by the resounding explosions of colorful fire crackers.