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Diwali History
The word "Diwali" is
the corruption of the Sanskrit word "Deepavali" -- Deepa meaning light and
Avali, meaning a row. It means a row of lights and indeed illumination
forms its main attraction. Every home - lowly or mightly - the hut of the
poor or the mansion of the rich - is alit with the orange glow of
twinkling diyas-small earthen lamps - to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of
wealth and prosperity. Multi-coloured Rangoli (the design of the
background of this page is of rangoli, also people drawn with rice flour
on the grounds into their house, rangoli)designs, floral decorations and
fireworks lend picturesness and grandeur to this festival which heralds
joy, mirth and happiness in the ensuring year.
This festival is celebrated on a grand scale in almost all the regions of
India and is looked upon mainly as the beginning of New Year. As such the
blessings of Lakshmi, the celestial consort of Lord Vishnu are invoked
with prayers. Even countries like Kenya, Thailand, Trinidad, Siam and
Malaya celebrate this festival but in their own ways.
This Diwali festival, it is surmised dates back to that period when
perhaps history was not written, and in its progress through centuries it
lighted path of thousands to attain the ultimate good and complete
ecstasy.
Diwali or more aptly Deepavali is very enthusiastically celebrated for
five continuous days and each day has its significance with a number of
myths, legends and beliefs.
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