Diwali, the festival that illuminates India

Diwali is one of the most anticipated events in India , is celebrated for four or five days a year for members of various religions and commemorates the symbolic victory of good over evil and the beginning of the year in the Hindu calendar.  

It takes place on the new moon of the month of Kartika, which is usually during the months of October and November; this year will be held the second week of November, with the big day or Lakshmi Puja on 11 November that it has become one of the most significant and joyous nights of the year.

You have to understand the great importance to its inhabitants a party like this in a country with such marked and rigid hierarchies. During the holidays, people debuts new clothes, share sweets, all houses are decorated in even many people installed fairs, fireworks and firecrackers are thrown and cities are filled with bright lights at night.

Lanterns in Pune, India © Dhinal Chheda

There are many legends associated with this celebration: According to one theory, might have originated as a harvest festival. The deity of wealth, Lakshmi, is venerated at this time to attract prosperity and depending on the region, different stories, such as in northern India around venerated home of King Rama of Ayodhya are counted, whose welcome rows of lighted lamps were used, made from which the name of the festival, which means row of lights.

Preparing Ringoli © San Sharma

How could it be otherwise, is a highly desired by all festival, so the houses and business premises are cleaned in a special way and are decorated with various known spiritual reasons as ringoli and L lamps or candles that light at sunset, large meals consisting of delicious sweet dishes and gifts to those closest and women do take place, they often buy some gold and silver or a new tool for the home.

India during Diwali, from a satellite of NASA .

Diwali, is part of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India, and allows unite all people in a very special way, regardless of faith and caste of each, as usually is celebrated by both Muslims Christians and Sikhs. carnival 2016