Deepawali Or Diwali - A festival of Lamps or Lights

Diwali means a row of lights. It is observed on the last two days of the dark fortnight of the month of October-November and is celebrated by the Hindus all over India or abroad. In Bengal, the festival is dedicated to the worship of Kali. In South India, some people take an oil bath in the morning and new clothes are worn. People distribute sweetmeats. They light fireworks, which are regarded as the effigies of Narakasura, the wicked giant, who was killed on this day by Lord Krishna.

Everyone is happy to forgive and forget the wrongs done by others. The festival is a great unifying force. Everyone buys new clothes, worships goddess Lakshmi and gives a lot of things in charity to the poor and needy. People clean their houses during the day and illuminate their houses at night with earthen oil-lamps.

To some, the festival signifies the victory of justice, dharma, and ahimsa over injustice, adharma, and violence. The festival also commemorates the birth of Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu, goddess of wealth and fortune. Some believe that the illumination of lamps on this day is to celebrate Lord Rama's victory over Ravana.

It lasts for five days in some communities. In general, the first day of Diwali/Divali is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi and Parvati, and windows are kept open to welcome them into the homes. The business class (Baniyas), close their accounts on this day. They make piles of coins on their ledgers and top the money with an image of Lakshmi, and worship her as the giver of wealth. Some people, especially business communities, spend the second day in gambling, especially with dice. In villages, women also draw colorful geometrical designs known as Rangoli on the floor near thresholds and in the courtyards of their houses.

On this day Goddess, Lakshmi is worshipped in the evening after the all-day fast. The third day commemorates the victory of Vishnu over the demon king Bali, and on this day Lakshmi Puja is also undertaken. In the end, the family dinner is served and the fast comes to an end, and the goddess is worshipped in the evening after an all-day fast. In Bengal, the goddess Kali is the object of worship. The fourth and last day is Diwali proper when little earthen bowls filled with oil are lighted and placed in rows inside and outside the house. This is called the return of Rama to Ayodhya and his coronation. The business communities keep it as the first day of the year of the Vikram era. It is the day when King Vikramaditya ascended the throne and is celebrated by them as the New Year.

Amongst Sikhs Diwali is also celebrated with great pomp and show. On Diwali day Bhai Buddha, the first Granthi (priest), completed his perusal of the Granth and it consequently became a Sikh holiday. The day is celebrated with a great fair held at the Golden Temple (Amritsar), which is attended, by Sikhs and Hindus. The celebration of Diwali extends over three days at the Golden Temple. Starting a day earlier than the general Diwali, the celebrations reach a peak on the night of Diwali, when the temple is elegantly illuminated and the most gorgeous fireworks with enhanced effects, because of the reflection in the tank, thrill the mammoth gathering. 

It is stated that in the middle of the seventeenth century, Jahangir (Emperor of India) arrested 52 Rajas and Guru Hargovind (sixth Guru). He felt uncomfortable and released 52 Rajas along with the Guru - who reached Amritsar on the eve of Diwali. The people illuminated the temple and the city to celebrate his return. On Diwali religious gatherings are held at Maji Sahib, Akal Takht, and Baba Atal, which continue for three days. On Diwali people visit Gurdwaras to pay their obeisance.