Introducing DIWALI to my steemit friends who doesn't no know about that!!!

Hi friends today assure you, this is not normal for me. But for this one week every year, I have a never ending smile on my face. It’s going to be Diwali tomorrow , the Hindu festival of lights.

WHAT IS DIWALI?

Also known as Deepavali, a Sanskrit word meaning “rows of lighted lamps”, it is one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated across South Asia. But it is also celebrated by Jains and Sikhs.

The festival of lights that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

It sees millions of earthenware oil lamps, called diyas, light up people’s homes, shops, public spaces and places of worship as part of celebrations which marks the start of the Hindu new year.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LEGENDS BEING CELEBRATED?

For many Hindus, Diwali celebrates the return of the deities Rama and his wife Sita to Ayodhya, an ancient Indian city believed to be the lord’s birthplace, following a 14-year period in exile.

Their return was celebrated by lighting the kingdom with lamps.

Diwali also celebrates the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi. Some believes it falls on her birthday and the day she married Lord Vishnu.

Many in India leave their windows and doors open and light lamps to allow Lakshmi to find her way into their homes.

What do the different dates of Diwali mean?

• 1> Dhanteras (October 17): ‘Dhah’ means wealth – and this day is dedicated to celebrating prosperity.

• 2> Naraka Chaturdasi or Chhoti Diwali (October 18): Known as ‘small Diwali’, Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna are believed to have destroyed the demon Narakasura on this day. Kali is worshiped in West Bengal, while demon effigies are burned in Goa.

• 3> Amavasya (October 19): The new moon day, and the darkest day of the month, which is the most significant day of Diwali.

• 4> The fourth day (October 20): This day has various meanings in different parts of India. In the north, it’s the day Lord Krishna defeated Indra. In Gujarat, it’s the start of the new year.
  Bhai Dooj (October 21): A feast and celebration of brotherly-sisterly love.

Why is Diwali celebrated by Hindus?

Diwali is marked by huge firework displays, which are supposed to reflect the celebrations of Lord Rama’s return.

Traditional earthen diyas or candles are lit, and houses are decorated with colourful rangoli artworks – patterns created on the floor using coloured rice or powder.

During the festival, families and friends share sweets and gifts and there is also a strong belief in giving to those in need. It is also traditional for homes to be cleaned and new clothes to be worn.

Indian sweets which come in a range of colours and flavours are also eaten during the celebrations, as well as various rich savoury and sweet dishes.

@@@@@--wising you happy Diwali --@@@@@