Essay on Diwali - 500 words

Diwali

    

India is known as the land of festivals. In India, we celebrate many festivals in different seasons and times. The most popular festival which is widely celebrated by all the Hindus is “Diwali” or “Deepawali”, also known as the “Festival of Lights”. The word “Deepawali” literally means the “rows of lighted lamps”. This festival, Diwali signifies the victory of the forces of virtue over evil and also glory of lights.

When Diwali Is Celebrated

Diwali is celebrated not only in India but it is celebrated worldwide. Diwali is celebrated in the month of October or November which is the Hindu month, Kartik. This festival is started after 20 days festival of the “Vijaya Dashami”, the last day of Durga Puja.

Why Diwali Is Celebrated

Diwali is the festival of Hindus. There are a lots of mythological tales which are all related to Diwali.

According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama killed the demon Ravana and came back to Ayodhya with his wife Devi Sita and brother Lakshmana after an exile of 14 years. Then the people of Ayodhya celebrated that day with decorating the whole city with “diyas”. In this way they showed their love, respect and happiness to Lord Rama.

According to Puranas, on the day of new moon of Kartik month, Goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth, was born. Then the Gods of heaven worshipped her. From that day the Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi and celebrated the day as Diwali.

Another story tells that, Lord Krishna killed Narakasur and released 16000 women from his prison on that day. The people were very happy and celebrated the day with lighted diyas.

In West Bengal, the people worship “Goddess Kalika” or “Kali” on this day.

In South India, there, Diwali is celebrated as a harvest festival.

Celebration of Diwali 

Diwali is celebrated for five days, from “Dhanteras” to “Bhai Dooj”. The people clean their houses, shops, offices etc. before few days of Diwali. On the day of Diwali, the people wear new clothes. They decorate their houses, shops, offices and temples with colourful lights, diyas, candles, flowers and make beautiful “rangoli”. The whole India shines with colourful lights.

On the evening of Diwali, the people worship Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, for peace, wealth and prosperity. On this day, people distribute sweets and gifts among the neighbours, friends and relatives and greet each other. They invite their near and dear ones in their houses to join the celebration parties. Delicious foods and desserts are cooked on this day. They enjoy the day by burning firecrackers, phulkari etc., though it causes air pollution and noise pollution.

Diwali is celebrated in India. It is also celebrated in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia etc.

               

Conclusion

Diwali is the festival of lights, sweets, gifts, delicious foods. Diwali brings joy and happiness. Diwali is celebrated not only by Hindus, but all other religions celebrate this festival with lots of enthusiasm. This festival is the symbol of love, unity and brotherhood. All Indians wait for this festival, Diwali, throughout the year.