HINDU FESTIVALS
Hinduism is the world's oldest religion. Its roots date back to 4000 BC. Hinduism is widely spread out in India and around South-East Asia. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, believing in many gods. Most of the festivals in Hinduism are centered on one or more gods.
Hindus celebrate thousands of festivals every year at every part of the world. Each of the Hindu festivals is celebrated in a similar manner. They all include chanting prayers to the gods and making sweets or snack items in honor of the gods. These festivals are usually joyful occasions, but they can also have serious side.
DIVALI
Divali, Festival of Lights
Divali, the festival of lights is one of the most important Hindu festivals. It is marked by four days of celebration, which literally illumines the country with its brilliance and dazzles all with its joy. Many Hindus see Divali as a time of renewal, or starting again. They try to patch up any quarrels and arguments they have had, and put aside their differences.
Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali is separated by a different tradition, but what remains true and constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment and goodness. Each day of Diwali has its own tale, legend and myth to tell. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the second day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. It is on the third day of Deepawali — Kartika Shudda Padyami that Bali steps out of hell and rules the earth according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu. The fourth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also ...