Deepawali Festival 2011

Diwali or Deepawali popularly known as the festival of lights is an important festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, celebrated for different reasons, occurring between mid-October and mid November.For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes.For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha or nirvana by Mahavira in 527 BC.For Sikhs, Diwali is celebrated as Bandhi Chhor Diwas and celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, who also rescued 52 Hindu kings held captive by Mughal Emperor with him in the Gwalior Fort in 1619.

Deepavali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji.The name Diwali is a contraction of Deepavali which translates into row of lamps.Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil.During Diwali all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends.

Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana from his 14 year long exile and vanquishing the demon king Ravana.In joyous celebration of the return of their king the people of Ayodhya the Capital of Rama illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas and by bursting firecrackers.

Source: wikipedia

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