Today is Deepavali-Wishing you all "A VERY HAPPY DEEPAVALI"

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Hello everyone here Ji, I open my both arms to come and join our Deepavali celeberations. Following are few facts about dewali:- http://www.festivalsinindia.net/diwali/index.html[b]"Diwali Diwali Traditions The literal meaning of Deepavali in Sanskrit is 'a row of lamps.' That's why Diwali is called the festival of lights. As we all celebrate it by lighting of diyas in our home. It is a tradition that is popular in most regions of the country. Even today in this modern world it projects the rich and glorious past of our country and teaches us to uphold the true values of life. Every festival of India has such glorious and rich traditions that are portrayed through its celebration. Diwali is associated with many customs and traditions. Like the tradition of rangoli, tradition of burning crackers, tradition of lights, tradition of Diwali pujas and Diwali gifts Tradition. One of the most curious customs, which characterizes this festival of Diwali, is the indulgence of gambling, especially on a large scale in north India. Rangoli is a traditional Hindu folk art; it is a kind of designs generally created on a floor on special festive occasions. The origin of this art can be traced to the Puranas (works on Hindu mythology). It is said that the tradition of rangoli originated in Maharastra and slowly disseminated to other parts of India. It gives a colorful look to the festival celebration. The festival of Diwali remind us of the brilliant display of colorful fireworks which explode in the dark nights. The cities are famous for these. It is an unique part of Diwali celebration. Now it has become an inseparable part of Diwali festival. Exchange of gifts is another unique feature of Diwali celebration. Diwali encourage people to gather and socialize with friends and family, exchange gifts and share home-cooked meals. The diwali gifts exchanged on this occasion reflect happiness, love and joy. Lighting of diyas is also an important part of Diwali celebration. Lighting diyas brings divine brightness and joy with the hope of finding light in darkness, achieving knowledge where there is ignorance and spreading love where there is hatred. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali is also associated with pujas of different Gods. There are many legends and religious accounts to it. Lights and diyas are lit to signifying the driving away of darkness and ignorance, as well as the awakening of the light within us. That's why the festival of Diwali is a true portrayal of the rich cultural and traditional values and customs of India. History of Diwali India is considered to be the land of festivals. And each of the festivals, which are celebrated here, has a reason or significance behind its celebration. Diwali the festival of light is also not an exception. It is celebrated across the country with lots of fervor and fun. Though the way it is celebrated differs from region to region according to the traditions and culture of that state but the reason behind its celebration remains same. The festival is celebrated by all there is no cast or age bar. The festival brings light in everybody's life. The festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way. If we try to look for the origin of the festival we have to refer to history. And history tells us that the festival is celebrated mainly for four days commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya. And each day has a significance and history behind its celebration. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the killing of the demon king Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. The second day is Amavasya and according to the legends Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth, was incarnated on the new moon day (amaavasyaa) of the Kartik month during the churning of the ocean (samudra-manthan), hence the association of Diwali with Lakshmi. From that day she is worshipped as the symbol of wealth and prosperity. It is also said that on this very day Lord Vishnu rescued Goddess Lakshmi from the prison of Demon king bali and for that reason Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on the day of Diwali. The third day is "Kartika Shudda Padyami." On this day Bali would come out of Pathala Loka and rule Bhuloka as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami". The fourth day is referred to as "Yama Dvitiya." On this day, sisters invite their brothers to their homes. Whereas according to legends it is also said that Lord Rama returned from exile to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. To commemorate his return to Ayodhya, his subjects illuminated the kingdom and burst crackers. Goddess Kali is also worshipped during this time. Diwali Celebrations in India Diwali - the festival of light is regarded as one of the most important and glamorous festival among all of the festivals celebrated in India. It is one such festival, which is celebrated by all throughout the country. Due to India's rich cultural heritage each region has their special way of celebrating it but the reason behind its celebration is same throughout. It is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. People of all religion and caste enjoy the festival. The festival creates a magical and radiant effect in the atmosphere. Everybody is in a joy and festive mood. The festival symbolizes victory of light over darkness. That's why it's called the festival of lights. Every state has their significance behind its celebration. In the North, Diwali festivities start at Dussehra. It is celebrated in a big way here all the shops, buildings, houses and roads are decorated with lights that may be diyas (small clay lamps), candles and electric bulbs. Sweets and dry fruits are the most common gifts, as are silver coins. But gifts also range from silver dishes and other household gifts to suit-pieces. In places like Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, gambling with cards picks up and reaches peak on the night of Diwali. Every street of north India hosts stage shows of Ramlila - a dramatic rendition of the story of the Ramayan. Everybody bursts firecrackers the whole day. Diwali Festival in the southern region is celebrated in the Tamil month of aipasi (thula month) 'naraka chaturdasi' thithi, preceding amavasai. The preparations begin the day before, when the oven is cleaned, smeared with lime, four or five kumkum dots are applied, and then it is filled with water for the next day's oil bath. The house is cleaned and washed and decorated with kolam (rangoli) patterns with kavi. The pooja room is decorated with all the items for puja. Here the Diwali Celebrations include a visit to the temple, gifts of clothes and jewelry, gorging on sweets and receiving blessings of elders. In the eastern part of the country in Bengal it is celebrated with Kali puja. After Durga puja, Kali puja is another important and major draw of Bengal. This puja is also held on a mass scale. The puja is held at night amidst the sound of crackers and fireworks. Devotees remain awake throughout the night to worship Goddess Kali. The customs of celebrating Diwali, the festival of light vary from region to region. Though the theme of Diwali is universal. With warmer days turning into a mild winter, the fun-filled Deepavali, is celebrated for five days from Krishna Chaturdashi to Kaartik Shukla Dwiteeya. The people of all community observe the festival of Diwali. Though the celebration process and rituals may vary but the universal theme behind its celebration remains the same across the country. Diwali Recipes The festival of Diwali gives us the license for fun and revelry. During the festive season of Diwali, India dresses up in a new look of fun and feasts. Diwali is the time for decorating your house with earthen lamps called diya, wearing new clothes, bursting firecrackers, meeting family and friends and of course enjoying the delicious items of sweets and snacks prepared specially for this occasion. People make colorful rangoli patterns in front of their house to give a festive look, special Diwali recipes are made and even gift items and greeting cards. Weeks before Diwali, every Hindu family is busy painting and decorating their homes, and shopping for gifts and preparing new dishes. On the Diwali day, shops are packed with people buying freshly made sweets. You can choose from a wide variety of sweets available in the market ranging from dry fruit sweets to special Diwali sweets. Here are some recipes for sweets, which you can try at home as they are easy to make and fast to cook. You can try out these dishes and serve to your guests on the festive day."[/b]May god bless You and have a great time.