An Indian Festival

An Indian Festival

India is a land of fairs and festivals. Diwali is a widely celebrated festival in the calendar of Indian festivals. It is the festival of the Hindus. It is called the festival of ‘diyas’ or ‘Deepmala’. It is celebrated in the moth of October or November every year. It marks the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after an exile of fourteen years. They victory of Rama is a victory of the forces of good over the forces of evil. People light up their houses on the night of Diwali. Earthen lamps known as ‘Diyas’ burn throughout the night. Candles are lighted and arrayed on the front walls and projected places. People keep electric lights on throughout the night. Cities, towns and villages look like shining comets. The city of Amritsar in Punjab is beautifully decorated. People from different parts of the world come to see the Diwali of Amritsar. Sweets are distributed among friends and relatives on this day. Men and women put on colourful clothes on the day of Diwali. They greet one another and wish each other the blessings of Diwali. Children let off crackers, the noise of which continues til late onto the night. People keep their houses neat and clean. Some orthodox people believe that Lakhshmi, the goddess of wealth, visits a clean and well-lit house on the night of Diwali. Many people gamble on the night of Diwali. Money changes hands and  it brings ruin to certain families. The festival of Diwali leaves a long sweet echo behind.