Diwali is the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated in the Autumn time each year. It coincides with the new moon known as the amāsvasya, the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar calendar (whose date indicates both the moon phase and the time of the solar year.) Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil.

 There are 4 religions that participate in these festivities.

It is primarily adopted by the Hindu religion. However some Seikhs, Jains and Buddhists celebrate it as well. Hindus celebrate Diwali with fireworks as well as the exchanging of gifts and delicious sweets. In order to prepare for this 5-day holiday, people, thoroughly clean their homes and purchase new clothes.

Diwali is also known as Deepavali.

“Deep” means lamp and “Avali” means row (a row of lamps).

According to folklore, fireworks were lit in celebration of the return of Lord Rama who is one of the incarnations of the Trimurti God Vishnu the Maintainer or Preserver.

After Lord Rama’s 14-year banishment and his battle with Ravana over the kidnapping of his beautiful wife Sita, he finally returned home to his kingdom with his wife.

The people of his kingdom were so overjoyed that they lit rows of lamps to light up his homecoming. Traditionally, lamps made out of earthenware called Diyas were used and are still used today.

Another beautiful custom is the making of the Rangoli, which are designs made out of different brightly colored sand used to decorate the floor and the Toran which are garlands made out of flowers used to decorate the doorways of homes.

Hanging lanterns made of colorful paper were used originally for the hanging lights with a diya placed inside of them. Nowadays these are often replaced by electric lights or flashing lights, however for those who like to maintain the look and feel of what was customary, paper lanterns with electric light bulbs are very festive and give off a warm and inviting glow, bringing that reminiscent feeling of eras gone by.

In the evenings sparklers are used by adults and children, their sparkling radiant light are a joy for everyone. Fireworks, such a noisy firecrackers are also used as part of the celebrations.

The predominant theme behind the lighting of candles and fireworks on the day of Diwali is spreading the light of positivity and goodwill for the world while dispelling the darkness of negativity. It rejoices in the ultimate victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Families, friends and business associates feast together and exchange gifts and sweets. It is a time for one to settle their differences and to settle old business deals. Everyone is encouraged to rid themselves of hate, anger, jealousy and any other negativity.

This is a time for jubilation and renewal.

Come experience the true essence of Diwali and celebrate this festive time! Light candles and sparklers representing the light that’s within you, burst crackers representing the eruption of joy when you let go of the inner darkness. Let go of negative thoughts and have them vanish like the smoke of fireworks. Let Diwali rekindle the path of your spiritual awakening.

Come celebrate the light and wonder of who you are…

Come celebrate Diwali!

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