| Diwali,
the festival of lights, commomerates
the day when lord Rama returns to Ayodhya,
lord Vishnu rescued Goddess Lakshmi
from king Bali, and lord Krishna’s
victory over the dreaded demon, Naraksura.
. The celebrations of lord Rama’s
return to Ayodhya, when citizens lit
his way with earthen oil lamps(diyas),
are re-created by lighting rows of diyas
and candles, illuminating buildings,
swastik and Rangoli patterns are painted
in the fore court of residences as a
sign of welcome and revelry. Children
light fireworks to light up the sky
in an array of designs, an integral
part of the celebrations. The lighting
of houses is said to attract Goddess
Lakshmi, who brings prosperity to her
devotees. The Hindu calender ends with
Diwali, the next day is the Hindu new
year, which begins with prayer. Relatives
and freinds get together to celebrate
the new year. Visit decorate their cows
in a variety of colours, and feed them
boiled grains. Bhaibij is the day after
the new year when sisters feed their
brothers. Five days after Diwali, is
Pancham, an auspicious day to commence
business. Jains celebrate Pancham or
Panchami by worshipping their books
and praying for more knowledge. Hindu
business men worship Goddess Lakshmi
and open their accounts.
The
day before Diwali, visit the Bengal
club in Ahmedabad to experience Kali
pooja.
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