Diwali is one of the most colorful, sacred festivals of the Hindus. It is celebrated annually with great enthusiasm and joy throughout the country. The festival marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. This is a real celebration, lasts for 20 days after the Dussera holiday and personifies the onset of winter. For adherents of the Hindu religion, Diwali is an analogue of Christmas. Diwali (Diwali or Deepawali) translates as a row or collection of lamps. A few days before the festival, houses, buildings, shops and temples are thoroughly washed, whitewashed and decorated with paintings, toys and flowers. In the days of Diwali, the country is in a festive mood, people wear the most beautiful and expensive outfits. It is also customary to exchange gifts and sweets. At night, all buildings are lit with clay and electric lamps, candlesticks. Candy and toy shops are exquisitely designed to grab the attention of passers-by. Bazaars and streets are crowded, people buy sweets for their families, and also send them to friends as a present. Children blow up crackers. There is a belief that on the day of Diwali, the Goddess of well-being Lakshmi visits only well-groomed and clean houses. People pray for health, wealth and prosperity. They leave the lights on, light the fires so that Goddess Lakshmi can easily find her way to their home. By this holiday Hindu, Sikhs and Jains also symbolize charity, kindness and peace. So, during the festival, on the border between India and Pakistan, the Indian armed forces offer traditional sweets to Pakistanis. Pakistani soldiers also present sweets in response to the goodwill.
2022-11-11