Diwali - A Five-Day-Long Festival

Diwali is the festival of lights which falls in the month of 'Ashwin' according to Hindu calendar. 'Deepawali' in Hindi means a row of diyas. Almost every house and street is decorated with lamps, and lights on the day of Diwali.Diwali is a five day festival in India. Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali. On this day people buy jewellery, silver and gold coins. On the second day, Roop Chaudas people bath with uptan. On the third and the main Diwali day idols of Ganesha and Lakshmi are worshiped (Lakshmi Puja). On this day Kali Puja performed in Bengal. Skies are full of blooms of crackers. The night of amavasya is transformed into Purnima by glory of diyas. Fourth day is celebrated as new year according to Hindu calander. Bhaiya dhuj which is celebrated on fifth day glorifies love between a brother and a sister. On the day of Diwali, Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after exile of 14 years. People of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting diyas. Let us all pledge to make our country prosperous and let us come forward to establish Ramrajya in India... "Sabh mil mangal gao re, Sabh mil deep jalao re,Avadh me Ram aaye hai...!"