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The preparations, the rituals, the entire celebration focuses on the home and family, spanning out to cover the community as a natural extension. Diwali is a festival synonymous with celebrations in India and among Indians all over the world, is an occasion for jubilation and togetherness. Like other festivals the festival of lights also has its origin in mythology. By reading the mythological tales you get to know the real story of Diwali.

The most famous legend associated with the story of Diwali is the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya. Lord Ram was sent to exile by his stepmother for 14 years in the jungle. His wife Sita and younger brother Lakshman also accompanied him there. In the jungle Ravan kidnapped sita and Lord Ram had to take the help of God Hanuman and monkey king Sugvir to kill Ravan. After killing Ravan and completing his period of exile, Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya and to celebrate his comeback the citizens of Ayodhya decorated their houses, exchanged sweets and ignited firecrackers. Since that day Diwali came to be celebrated in order to commemorate the coming back of Lord Ram.

According to another legend associated with the Story of Diwali, on this particular Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity incarnated. She incarnated due to the churning of the ocean, which came to be known as the incident of 'Samundra Manthan', by the demons as well as the deities.

Another famous Diwali story talks about the killing of demon Narkasura by Satyabhama with the support of Lord Krishna. Narkasura once defeated Lord Indra, the king of heaven and also snatched away the earrings of Mother goddess Aditi, who was a relative of Satyabhama. On hearing this news Satyabhama got very furious and asked for Lord Krishna's help for killing the demon who readily agreed.

No matter what the legend but the festival of lights is celebrated with much enthusiasm and zeal in all over the country by people of all religions.

Diwali celebrations in Britain
The Indians are the second largest ethnic minority in Britain. To get rid of the feeling of missing their homeland, especially during festival times, the Indians here celebrate most of the festivals .The occasion is marked by visit to the local temple to worship the shrine of Lakshmi, which they have made for Diwali. Eating special sweets, burning of incense sticks, lighting the home and surroundings and the blowing of the conch shell follows the prayer session in the Lakshmi temple.
The festival here is celebrated according to the Hindu solar calendar hence it falls in the months of October-November, amongst the cold, damp and windy months in Britain. 9th November, Friday is the date Diwali 2008 is going to be celebrated. Still the enthusiasm of the festival celebration makes the task of leaving small lamps on windowsills or by open doorways possible ignoring the chill. The lamps and diyas play their part in maintaining the atmosphere of Diwali at home.

Diwali celebrations in Guyana
Guyana, formerly known as British Guiana, is located on the northeast coast of South America. Guyana is 82,978 square miles in area and has a population of about 7,70,000. Hindus constitute 33% of Guyana's total population. The Co-operative Republic of Guyana in Southern America celebrates Diwali according to the Hindu Solar calendar. The day of the festival is declared as a national holiday in the official calendar of Guyana. The tradition of celebrating the festival is believed to have been brought to Guyana in the year 1853 by the first indentured people from India. The legends related to the festival are similar to that of India. The celebration of the festival includes, distribution of sweets, illuminating the inside and outside of the house, exchange of greetings, cleaning of houses and wearing of new clothes. The celebrations hold special significance for the people of Guyana. The distribution of sweet signifies the importance of serving and sharing whereas exchange of greeting cards denotes the goodwill of each other. The sweets distributed mainly consist of pera, barfi, and kheer. The tradition of wearing new cloth for the people of Guyana is significant especially in this festival. They believe that wearing new cloth is the symbol of healthy souls in healthy bodies. Cleaning of their homes and keeping them well illuminated in and outside is a practice meant to illuminate the road for Goddess Lakshmi so that while goddess Lakshmi visits their home she faces no problem of light as the diwali night is regarded as the darkest night of the year.

Diwali celebrations in Indonesia
The name Indonesia came from two Greek words: "Indos" meaning Indian and "Nesos" meaning islands. The majority of population follows Islam. Hindus constituent about 2% of Indonesia's total population. However, the Indonesian island of Bali is famous for celebrating the festival of Diwali, as a majority of the population here is that of Indians. It is one of the most revered festivals of the locals here. The celebration and rituals of the festival is mostly similar to that celebrated by their counterparts in India. Diwali 2008 in Indonesia would surely be worth witnessing like ever before.

Diwali celebrations in Malaysia
Fascinating in its diversity, Malaysia has many mesmerizing charms and attractions. With a population of about 20 million, comprising of a harmonious multi-ethnic mix of Malays, Malaysia promises a colorful potpourri of cultural traditions. Most are based on the various religious practices, beliefs and traditions influencing the costumes, festivals, ceremonies and rituals. The Hindu community of Malaysia constitutes about 8% of its total population .The community celebrates Diwali as a symbol of triumph of good over evil. The Malaysian people call diwali as Hari Diwali. This festival is celebrated during the 7th month of the Hindu solar calendar. The south Indian traditional of oil bath precedes the festivities. The celebration includes visits to temples and prayers at household altars. Small lamps made from clay and filled with coconut oil and wicks are a common sight to signify the victory of Lord Rama, the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana, over the demon king Ravana. Diwali 2008 would be celebrated almost all over the Malaysia except in Sarawak & Federal Territory of Labuan like ever before.

Diwali celebrations in Mauritius
Mauritius is an island in the Indian Ocean that lies to the east of Madagascar. This beautiful landmass is full of picturesque landscapes and enchanting spots. Mauritius accounts a 63% of Indian majority of which 80% follow Hinduism. Hence, celebration of almost all the Hindu festivals in this island is a common phenomenon. In Mauritius, Diwali celebration is an age-old tradition. It holds special significance for the natives, who believe that Diwali has been celebrated even long before the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile and his coronation as the king. The festival is marked by lightening of earthen lamps in rows making images out of the rows. Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of wealth and crackers are burnt to scare away evil spirits.

Diwali celebrations in Nepal
Nepal is a landlocked country nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Nepal, a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual society is the only Hindu Kingdom of the world. Diwali is celebrated here with the usual Hindu festivities and rituals. Diwali in Nepal is known as Tihar. Just like most places in India Diwali is celebrated here to honor the goddess of wealth and god of prosperity Lakshmi and Ganesh respectively. The festival of light falls in the months of October or November on the day of Amavasya - the darkest day of the year. The festival here continues for five days. Every day has its special significance. The first day is dedicated to cows as they cook rice and feed the cows believing that goddess Lakshmi comes on cows. The second day is for Dogs as the Vahana of Bhairava. Preparation of delicious food especially meant for the dog is a typical characteristic of the day. Lights and lamps are lit to illuminate the entire surrounding and some of the specialty items are prepared to mark the third day of the festival. Fireworks, Lamps and crackers are widely used. The fourth day is dedicated to Yama, the Hindu God of Death. He is prayed for long life. The fifth final day is Bhaiya Dooj dedicated for the brothers who are wished long life and prosperity by their sisters. Because there is not much time difference between India & Nepal, Diwali 2008 would be celebrated on 9th November, Friday in Nepal as well.

Diwali celebrations in South Africa
South Africa is located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa. The South African culture is a mix of variety of cultures. It had the largest immigrant Indian community in the world a decade prior to the colonization by the United States of America. The country has almost one million immigrant Indians. Most of these Indian immigrants are concentrated in the eastern regions of Natal and Transvaal of the country. About 65% of Hindus, 15% of Muslims and 20% of Christians live in this area. Due to the majority of the Hindu population, a number of Hindu festivals are celebrated here. Diwali also holds an important place in the festival calendar of the region. The celebration is more or less same to that in India. Most of the Hindus here are from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu and continue to follow their regional variations of Hinduism.

Diwali celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad is the most southern of the Caribbean islands, lying only seven miles off the Venezuelan coast, is one of the most exciting, colorful islands of the West Indies. Considered as the land of the Humming Bird, Trinidad and Tobago has a good number of Indian population. For that reason, Hindu festivals, customs, traditions and observances forms an integral part of the society, which comprises the unique beauty of the twin island state. The Diwali celebration has a unique flavor here in the Caribbean island nation. Here 43 per cent of the 1.3 million populations are ethnic Indians. The Diwali celebrations are usually marked as an occasion to unify the nation that consists of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Indo-Trinidadians and Afro-Trinidadians. The festival day is regarded as a national holiday. The festival is also marked by scores of functions besides the usual rituals of the festivity. The functions and celebrations also have an official imprint as the Ministers of the Government also participate in the celebrations sometimes. The belief behind the festival is same as of India, which is, prevalence of good over evil. The celebrations continue for over a week and the headquarters of the National Council of Indian Culture at Diwali Nagar becomes the focal point. Diwali 2008 is expected to be as jubilant as always in Trinidad and Tobago.

Diwali celebrations in South Africa
South Africa is located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa. The South African culture is a mix of variety of cultures. It had the largest immigrant Indian community in the world a decade prior to the colonization by the United States of America. The country has almost one million immigrant Indians. Most of these Indian immigrants are concentrated in the eastern regions of Natal and Transvaal of the country. About 65% of Hindus, 15% of Muslims and 20% of Christians live in this area. Due to the majority of the Hindu population, a number of Hindu festivals are celebrated here. Diwali also holds an important place in the festival calendar of the region. The celebration is more or less same to that in India. Most of the Hindus here are from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu and continue to follow their regional variations of Hinduism.

Diwali celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad is the most southern of the Caribbean islands, lying only seven miles off the Venezuelan coast, is one of the most exciting, colorful islands of the West Indies. Considered as the land of the Humming Bird, Trinidad and Tobago has a good number of Indian population. For that reason, Hindu festivals, customs, traditions and observances forms an integral part of the society, which comprises the unique beauty of the twin island state. The Diwali celebration has a unique flavor here in the Caribbean island nation. Here 43 per cent of the 1.3 million populations are ethnic Indians. The Diwali celebrations are usually marked as an occasion to unify the nation that consists of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Indo-Trinidadians and Afro-Trinidadians. The festival day is regarded as a national holiday. The festival is also marked by scores of functions besides the usual rituals of the festivity. The functions and celebrations also have an official imprint as the Ministers of the Government also participate in the celebrations sometimes. The belief behind the festival is same as of India, which is, prevalence of good over evil. The celebrations continue for over a week and the headquarters of the National Council of Indian Culture at Diwali Nagar becomes the focal point.

'Festival of Lights' or Diwali is a festival which has the potential of unifying entire India because of the charisma and splendor surrounding this festival. Diwali has been given the traditional name of 'festival of lights' because of the hundreds and thousands of small oil lamps or diyas lighted by many households. The burning of these diyas are considered to be the lighted pathway of a person's expression of happiness and also a manner of paying obeisance to God, the Supreme power for attainment of health, prosperity, knowledge, financial security and peace in one's life.

'The festival of lights' is celebrated with much enthusiasm and zeal in all of north India. In fact the festival of Diwali is regarded to bring the supernatural joy and brightness in a person's life with the hope of discovering light amidst darkness, achieving happiness in place of ignorance and spreading of love amidst hatred and violence. The tradition of lighting the diyas on Diwali holds much importance as in Hindu mythology the light signifies goodness and vitality. In cities candles and classy neon lights often substitute these diyas.

The idea behind the lighting of diyas and candles on the festival of lights comes from a number of stories as mentioned in the Hindu mythology. The most famous of these stories is the story revolving around Lord Ram and his family. Diwali celebrates the homecoming of Lord Ram, who according to a legend came home to Ayodhya after defeating the evil Ravana and spending fourteen years in exile. Diwali is also the day of Lord Ram's coronation. According to a popular legend King Dashratha had three wives by the names of Kaushalaya, Keykayee and Sumitra who had four sons Ram, Bharat, Laxmana and Shatrughan. Lord Ram, the son of Queen Kaushalaya was the eldest of all four brothers while Bharat was the son of Queen Keykayee.

Queen Keykayee wanted her son Bharat to be the future king of Ayodhya while King Dashratha decided to coronate Ram to be the future king. Keykayee on getting to know about the decision of king Dashratha decided to ask the king for two wishes which he had promised her earlier in life. For her two wishes Keykayee asked for sending Ram to exile for the period of fourteen years and to crown Bharat as the king, though Bharat refused to accept the kingship. Well Ram went to exile accompanied with his younger brother Lakshman and wife Sita. During exile King Ravana of Lanka abducted Sita and Lord ram had to fight a fierce battle in the southern part of the Indian sub-continent with ravana.

During this fight the king of the demons was killed and Lord Ram came back to Ayodhya along with His brother and wife. Deepavali marks his victorious return to his kingdom along with Hanuman, the Vanar who helped him in achieving success. The legend states it took 20 days for Rama to return to his kingdom after defeating Ravana. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country. Like in Gujarat, the festival is celebrated to honor goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; and in Bengal, it is related with goddess Kali. Though everywhere, it is celebrated with the same sprit and signifies the renewal of life.

Diwali is a festival of sweets, firecrackers, lights and of course the decorations. A host of Diwali decorations are used for giving a beautiful, graceful and elegant touch to the homes on the eve of Diwali, as most of us are attached emotionally with this festival. Not only the homes but even the streets, markets and all possible places are decorated with many lights and other Diwali decorations. Here are some of the Diwali decorative items along with their descriptions, which can lend you a helping hand in choosing the right Diwali decorative items for this Diwali.

Diyas
Diyas are an integral part of the festival of lights. Diyas are basically the oil lamps made up of clay. These diyas come in different shapes and sizes. There are many designer diyas also available in the market nowadays. Many changes have come in the diyas in many years like these diyas have started coming in different shapes and sizes and various colors. Wax filled diyas are very much in demand nowadays as they are more convenient to use in comparison with the conventional oil ones.

Hangings
A popular Diwali decorative item is the hangings adorning the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. You can find different colored and designed hangings in the market nowadays. These hangings can be used for adorning the entrance of the homes or the entrance point of the small temples in your home or even for decorating the walls.

Rangolis
Rangolis are the art patterns made on the entrance floor of the homes in order to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. These patterns basically depict nature, flowers with the usage of different colors. The drawing of rangolis on the entrance point of the homes is considered to be an auspicious tradition mainly if the rangolis are drawn in the courtyard of the homes where all the family members gather.

Lights and Lamps
Lights and lamps are another favorite Diwali decorative items used by many people. These lights and lamps also come in different beautiful shapes and sizes. They create a mesmerizing atmosphere with their shimmering glow at the time of Diwali.

Deepavali or Diwali is the major Indian occasion which is celebrated whole heartedly in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. It is also called 'Festival of Lights' as people illuminate candles, diyas on this day and celebrate the victory of good over wicked powers. The day is celebrated in throughout the world, where in nepal it is called Tihar and Swanti. It falls in the months of October or November. Diwali is also originated as the harvest day where it is considered as the last harvest time of the year before the starting of winter season. Businessmen close their accounts and starts their new financial year. Therefore, Goddess Lakshmi, deity of wealth and prosperity in the Hinduism, is thanked and people offer their praying and wish to have a good year ahead.

In North India, the day marks the homecoming of Lord Ram to his kingdom Ayodhya after the 14 years of exile. People of his kingdom celebrated his home return by lightning thousands of diyas, therefore the day has been named as 'Deepavali', which is again shortened as 'Diwali'. In the southern part of the India, the day has been associated with the victory of Lord Krishna and defeat of demon Narakasura. The western people celebrate the day in the honor of the King Bali who has been ordered by the deity Vishnu to rule the nether world.

For the Jainism people, the day has been connoted with the nirvana of Lord Mahavir, which took place on 15th October, 527 B.C. For the Sikh community, the importance of the day has been increased when their Guru Hargobind Ji, the 6th Guru, has been released from the imprisonment with 52 Hindu Kings. Overall, the Diwali calls for the worldwide celebration, with its shimmering beauty it is enjoyed by most of the people, regardless of their faith and culture.

Mythological Events Related to Festival

Home Return of Lord Ram- Deepavali celebrates the home back of Lord Ram to his kingdom Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana after 14 years of exile. The day is also celebrated as the victory of Lord Ram over the devil king Ravana. It is a strong belief that the people of Ayodhya welcomed the Ram, Sita and Lakshmana by illuminating the oil lamps. To reach the Ayodhya in North India, Ram passed through the south India first and then paved towards North India. Therefore the festival has been celebrated one day earlier in the South India.

Narakasura Death- Two days before the Deepavali festival, 'Naraka Chaturdasi' day is celebrated, which is related with the killing of demon Narakasura by the Satyabhama, wife of Lord Krishna. The incident took place in the Dwapar Yuga, where Narakasura had created the fear in the hearts of people due to his evil works. Narakasura death was possible only by his mother, Satyabhama. Lord Krishna pretended to his wife, Satyabhama that Narakasura had injured him therefore, she should killed him. At the time of Narakasura death, he asked for a boon from the Satyabhama, that his death will be celebrated by illuminating lamps.

Asceticism of Shakti- Skanda Purana says that the deity Shakti wanted to get the Lord Shiva's half body so she made an austerity or kedhara vrata for 21 days which got started from the ashtami of shukla paksha. On the day of Diwali, Lord Shiva accepted Shakti into his left body form, known as Ardhanarishvara. The period of kedhara vrata got completed on the day of Diwali. The 21 days have been celebrated by the ardent devotees and they make a kalasha, consisting of the 21 threads around it and then they have 21 offerings for 35 days. The last day is called kedhara gauri vrata.

Celebrations

Diwali is celebrated with full zest and show. People light up their places with diyas, candles and perform Lakshmi-Ganesha puja in evening for seeking divine blessings. People give gifts to their near and dear ones. Gifts can vary from sweets, jewelry, apparels, kitchen appliances, books with lots of love.

Diwali is a word taken from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means an array of diyas. The festival is celebrated to honor the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. Five consecutive days of the month of Ashwayuja according to Hindu calendar. Traditionally, the rituals of the festival mainly consists of lighting diyas, making Rangolis and Lakshmi Pujan.

With changing times the methods of celebrating Diwali too has witnessed new twists and turns. Contemporary era has commercialized the entire event of Diwali. It is not that commercialization has affected the spirit of cheerfulness in any sense. Rather, it has helped Diwali get a global recognition. Earlier, any event was ritualized in a modest manner. But, as India joined the global bandwagon and got exposed with new cultures and traditions, the methods of celebrations too got extended.
Festivals are a big reason for the economy boost in India. Same goes for the festival of Diwali. Way before the eve of Diwali, people buy new clothes, Puja Samagri (Items required for offering Prayers), home decorative items, firecrackers etc. Companies of all kind offer heavy discount on their products during the festive season.

The days around Diwali, specially on Dhanteras, are supposed to be the most auspicious ones to buy household items and even jewelry. Diwali also attracts lots of foreign tourists to India as the festival of Diwali adorns the beauty of the country all the more. The market places are beautified with colorful ribbons, scintillating lights and decorated stalls selling firecrackers, Diwali sweets etc add to the carnival. Many people do charity and feed a number of socially and economically deprived people.

Amongst all not to forget the exchange of gifts that occur during the Diwali days. Very enthusiastically, people distribute gifts during Diwali. Buying and selling of gifts is a big source of profit during the season. Thus, very rightly Diwali is said to be the day of prosperity. For businessmen, this is the end of the financial year too. They make new leisure note book and before using them they are put before the Goddess Lakshmi for an auspicious start.

Thus, Diwali in contemporary times is celebrated in manifolds. Not only in India but people outside India too indulge in merriment thereby keeping alive the spirit of Diwali. In today's fast paced lives, festivals like Diwali give a nice excuse to sit with loved ones and create some fond memories to cherish life long.

Diwali is a festival enjoyed by every individual with equal enthusiasm, be it a child or an adult. We indulge in various activities during Diwali, such as, Performing Puja rituals, get togethers with loved ones, bursting firecrackers, decorating houses and many other things. But, other than bursting firecrackers, there is hardly any other activity that excites children. They get bored while their parents are busy socializing or performing rituals. Give them a task that they would love to do and that would develop their creative skills as well. We have come up with some of the exciting Diwali crafts, which can easily be made by kids.

Make Diyas
Make Diyas from ceramic clay or with wheat dough and mold it into the shape of a diya. Keep it overnight. Glue little mirrors while the molded diya is still wet. You can add colors to Diwali lightings by decorating simple clay Diyas into enticing work of arts. Use oil paints to make traditional designs or you can fix zari or gota over the edges of the Diya. Paint them in red, blue or yellow colors to add to the festivities of Diwali.

Make Door Hangings
Take a piece of thick cotton cloth with vibrant color. Make over it geometrical designs, religious symbols, traditional prints such as elephants etc. You can use mirrors, zari, sequins, glitter paste, and clothes of different colors, which fixed in designer patterns would look gorgeous. Stitch the cloth around rods from both the ends and attach a strong string to it. Now hang it on your walls and showcase your enthusiasm and creative talent.

Make Torans
Make beautiful floral torans to give a warm welcome to your guests. All you need to do is to bead the flowers (you can choose among the original and artificial flowers) with the help of a long needle and a strong thread (you can take the one used while flying kites). Weave them and make some big and small strands. Now attach them so that they are in a beautiful design.

Let them too participate in appending a charm to the aura of celebrations directly. They would be delighted on seeing their work of art adorning their own houses.

India encompasses in it's lap diverse cultures and therefore is imbued in the aura of festivities round the year. Most of the Indian festivals find their origin in Hindu Mythology. Diwali is one such widely loved festival. The popular story related to Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. But, that is not all. There are many mythical stories that enriches the significance of Diwali.

There are a number of myths surrounding the festival. For instance, the stories of the killing of Ravana and Narakasura, the emergence of Goddess Lakshmi etc. are the stories that accentuates the glory of Lord Rama and reinforce his position of "Purushottam", that is, the Man of Honor.

The festival of Diwali is the auspicious day when people enjoy sweets, new clothes and fireworks. Offering Puja to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi is the highlight of the day. People get their houses white washed and decorate them way before the festive day. Loved ones exchange gifts among each other. All these activities hold deep importance in the mythical stories.

The very essence of Diwali celebrations lie in these stories. In an attempt to honor the great Lord Rama, we have come up with some amazing tales, which have been passed on from generation to generation and are preserved as India's ancient heritage.

Dussehra epitomizes the triumph of good over evil. This is the auspicious day when the great Lord Rama killed Ravana and made Lanka free from the dominance of Asuras. The day when we burn the effigy of Ravana along with his subordinates Meghanad and Kumbhkarana. Lord Rama fought a battle of ten days with Ravana, who had abducted his wife Sita. With his Monkey Army called Vanar Sena, Shri Rama defeated the Ravana Sena and handed over the rule to Bhibhishan. Exact twenty days after the end of the war, Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya. It is the same day on which the festival of Diwali is celebrated. The significance of Dussehra in context of Diwali is thus relevant.

Since then the effigies of Ten faced Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhkarana are burnt. Usually, ten days before Dussehra, the whole Ramayana is enacted in various parts of India as well as in many countries where people of Hindu community are living. This is popularly known as Ram Lila. On the tenth day, that is, Dussehra the whole Rama-Ravana war is enacted and at last the actor playing the role of Lord Rama burns the effigy with the stroke of his arrow.

It is also a day celebrated in India with great fervor. People, exchange sweets, especially, jalebis among their loved ones. The day also marks the advent of festive days till Diwali as people start decorating their homes and distributing gifts to friends and family.

The fifteenth dark night of the month of Ashwin according to Hindu calendar is celebrated with great pomp and vigor by Hindus in India as well as Hindus living abroad. This is the day when in around 5000 B.C Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya. The entire kingdom of Ayodhya danced in happiness to get back their ideal King.

The, mighty yet moral, Lord Rama ended the era of Asura Ravana in Lanka. He made the righteousness and virtue win over vice. Rama's return to Ayodhya marks many events at the same time. Before returning to Ayodhya, Shri Rama made Bhibhishan the King of Lanka. Keeping in view the morality he made Sita, his wife, go through the Ordeal of Fire. Sita proved her chastity by coming out of the fire unhindered.

Back there in Ayodhya, Bharata prepared for the homecoming of his elder brother in as grand way as possible. Bharata like an ideal younger brother waited eagerly for his brother for fourteen long years. He lived like a hermit in a small cottage while his brother went for exile. Therefore, the 'Bharata Milap' episode too becomes significant. Soon after returning to Ayodhya, Bharata himself performed the Rajyabhishek (the King swearing in ceremony) of Shri Rama. Thus, he was made the king of Ayodhya.

It is believed that as Rama returned to Ayodhya, it was a no moon night. People lit their homes and the path from which Lord Rama was about to come with diyas . Everywhere could be seen the scintillating effect of lights. They also decorated the pathways with colorful Rangolis and Flower Rangolis. Their joys knew no bounds as their King was coming back. They wore new clothes, danced and sang in his praise.

Since then it has become customary to celebrate the day with so much of enthusiasm. Following the tradition people till today wear new clothes, decorate their homes and pray Lord Rama to shower his blessings on their loved ones. Even in present times, the night of Amavasya of the month of Ashwin is full of lights of various kinds. Rangolis at the doorstep of many people's homes are still seen. The era of Lord Rama might be over but the liveliness of the celebrations of Diwali is not diminished a bit.

Narakasura Killing Episode

Not many people know that the other name of Diwali is "Naraka Chaturdasi". In Dwapar Yuga, Lord Krishna, the ascendant of Lord Vishnu, killed the notorious demon Narakasura on the same day as that of Diwali.

Narakasura was the son of God Bhoomi. Despite of a great parentage, he possessed devilish tendencies. He used to loot the people of three worlds and due to the supernatural powers he had nobody could stop him. Not only he plundered their valuable things, but abducted the womenfolk too. There was a terror of Narakasura everywhere.

Once Narakasura attacked the heavens to get hold of the army of elephants of Lord Indra. Indra being helpless before the demon, immediately to Lord Krishna to ask for help. Krishna at that time was spending a leisurely time with his wife Satyabhama. In order to fulfill both his duties as a friend and as a husband he took Satyabhama at the battlefield.

On his divine vehicle Garuda (a giant eagle), Lord Krishna set for the fort of Narakasura. His grand fort was guarded by a five headed demon Mura. With his flying discus, Krishna beheaded Mura and then challenged Narakasura to come to fight on the battlefield. It was an easy victory for great Shri Krishna. Narakasura was killed and his son Bhagdatta was taken by Krishna under his supervision on the request of Bhoomi Devi.

The killing of Narakasura again takes us to the message that it is inevitable for virtue and truth to win over vice and evil. The same message Lord Rama portrayed by killing Ravana. Bhoomi Devi herself was happy of the killing of her Son. The acuteness of Narakasura's evil deeds can be guessed from the fact that Lord Krishna had to take an oil bath to get rid of his blood splashes.

It is still a tradition among Hindus to clean the Krishna idols with hot water before burning the effigy of Narakasura. So, along with Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Krishna too is prayed by the Hindus.

The Harvest Festival

Diwali is a festival celebrated by all Indian irrelevant of their cast, creed and religion with equal enthusiasm and gaiety. While the rest of the Indians are imbued into the festive mood for the advent the Hindu New Year, the agrarian society of India is jubilating for a different reason.

Diwali is also the end of the cropping season. This is the time of the year when farmers would be getting the results of their sweat and blood. The hard work they do all through the year is supposed to pay results in terms of a healthy crop. Harvesting period generally bear a lot of prosperity for agrarian society. Thus, the farmers pray to Goddess Lakshmi (the Goddess of wealth) for the best results.

This particular festival is celebrated the very next day of Deepavali (another name for the festival of Diwali). As mentioned earlier, the Goddess of Lakshmi is worshiped and people perform her Arti. Special dishes are made by the womenfolk on the harvest festival. Especially, Poha or Pava made up of freshly taken rice from the field is prepared. Along with the rural farmers, the people living in the urban Western India too commemorate the harvesting season with great dedication.

Diwali falls around the months of October or November, which is also known as the season of Kharif when the crop of fresh rice is widely available. Thus, it is not only due to mythological reasons that Diwali holds such a great importance in India, but the day is auspicious in more than one ways.

Emergence Of Lakshmi

One more fantastic mythical story is associated with the celebrations of Diwali. The festival of lights also pays a tribute to the birth of Goddess Lakshmi, who is the Goddess of wealth as well as health. The legend of emergence of Goddess Lakshmi is popularly known as the legend of Samudra Manthan.

The story of Samudra Manthan goes like this. Once, the great sage Durvasa was out for a walk when he met Indra. Indra in his own world rode ignoring the Durvasa and even threw the garland given by him on Airavata. Durvasa got really angry over Indra's ill-behaviour and cursed him saying " The pride of wealth has entered your head. Let Lakshmi forsake you." Indra realized his mistakes and begged mercy from him. On this, Durvasa said " Sri Vishnu will do good to you" and left him.

As the result of the effect of curse, soon after Lakshmi left Indra. With Lakshmi was gone the power, wealth, bravery and enthusiasm possessed by him. The moment Indra lost his kingdom, Demons attacked him. He hid out of their sight and was constantly running in order to safeguard his life. He went for help to Lord Vishnu through his teacher and guide Brihaspati. Lord Vishnu advised him make demons his friends and with their assistance churn the sea of milk (the process of Samudra Manthan). For this, he asked him to Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki, the king of serpents, as the rope.

On churning the sea, nectar was produced, which was drunk by the all the God so as to gain the state of immortality. Lakshmi appeared again standing amidst the gigantic milky tides and in the middle of a beautiful Lotus. She showered on him all that had been taken away from Indra. The King of Sea appeared and embraced Goddess Lakshmi as his daughter. This was the amazing story of Indra and Lakshmi reunion.

Since time immemorial, Hindus commemorate the birth of Goddess Lakshmi on the third day of Diwali. Lakshmi Pujan is performed and the dark night of Amavasya is enlightened with long arrays of diyas, candles and bulbs of beautiful colors. Homes are decorated after a thorough cleaning as it is believed that on this auspicious day Goddess Lakshmi strolls in green lawns and visit the homes.

Diwali Aarti

Diwali aartis are the special prayers sung by humans in order to please goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. In fact the aartis are nothing but the special songs and prayers, which are devoted entirely to the gods and goddesses. These aartis are a musical way of admiring and appraising the Supreme power and to ask him for bestowing His blessings upon the humans. According to the Hindu culture the Diwali aartis are the part of the tradition and rituals to be followed at the time of Lakshmi Puja, so that Goddess Lakshmi can be invited into the homes in an enchanting manner.

Here are the Diwali aartis, to be sung at the time of Diwali puja, in order to please the gods and ask for their blessings.

Shri Ganesha Aarti
Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh deva
Mata jaki Parvati, Pita Mahadeva.
Ek dant dayavant, char bhuja dhari
Mathe sindur sohai, muse ki savari, Jai
Ganesh...
Andhan ko ankh det, kodhin ko kaya
Banjhan ko putra det, nirdhan ko maya, Jai
Ganesh....
Pan chadhe, phul chadhe, aur chadhe meva
Ladduan ka bhog lage, saht kare seva, ,Jai
Ganesh....
Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh deva,
Mata jaki Parvata, Pita Mahadeva.

Maa Lakshmi Aarti
Jai lakshmi maataa, maiyaa jai lakshmi maataa
tumko nishadin dhyaavata, hara vishnu vidhaataa
brahmaani, rudraani, kamlaa, tu hi hai jaga maataa
surya chandramaa dhyaavata, naarada rishi gaataa
durgaa rupaa nirantara, sukha sampati daataa
jo koi tumko dhyaavata, riddhi siddhi dhana paataa
tu hi hai paatala basanti, tu hi shubha daataa
karma prabhaava prakaashaka, jaganidhi ke traataa
jis ghara mein tum rahati, saba sadaguna aataa
kara sake koii kara le, mana nahin ghabaraataa
tuma bina yagya na hove, vastra na koii paataa
khaana paana ka vaibhava, sab tumse hi aataa

shubha guna mandira sundara, kshirodadhi jaataa
ratana chaturdasha tuma hi, koii nahin paataa
aartii lakshmii ji ki, jo koii nar gaataa
ura aananda umanga ati, paap utar jaataa

Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare Aarti
Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare
Swami Jaya Jagadeesha Hare
Bhakta janon ke sankat
Bhakta janon ke sankat Kshan me door kare
Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Jo dhyave phal paave
Dhukh vinashe man ka
Swami dhukh vinashe man ka
Sukha sampati Ghar aave
Sukha sampati Ghar aave
Kashht mite tan ka
Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Mata pita tum mere
Sharan padun mai kis ki
Swami sharan padum mai kis ki
Tum bina aur na doojaa
Tum bina aur na doojaa
Asha karun mai kis ki
Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Tum pooran Paramatma
Tum Antaryaami
Swami Tum Antaryaami
Para brahma Parameshwara
Para brahma Parameshwara
Tum sab ke Swami
Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Tum karuna ke saagar
Tum palan karta
Swami Tum palan karta
Mai sevak tum swaami
Mai sevak tum swaami
Kripa karo bhartaa
Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Tum ho ek agochar
Sab ke prana pati
Swami sab ke prana pati
Kis vidhi miloon dayamaya
Kisi vidhi miloon dayamaya
Tum ko mai kumati
Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Deena bandhu dukh hartaa
Tum rakshak mere
Swami tum rakshak mere
Apane hast uthao
Apane hast uthao
Dwar khada mai tere
Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Vishaya vikar mithao
Paap haro deva
Swami paap haro deva
Shraddha bhakti badhao
Shraddha bhakti badhao
Santan ki seva
Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Tan man dhan sab kuch hai tera
Swami sab kuch hai tera
Tera tujh ko arpan
Tera tujh ko arpan
Kya laage mera
Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Om Jai Jagadeesha Hare
Swami Jai Jagadeesha Hare
Bhakta janon ke sankat
Bhakta janon ke sankat
Kshan me door kare
Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Shri Ram Aarti
Shri Ram Aarti Shri Ramachandra kripalu bhaju man,
haran bhav bhai darunam.
Nav kanj lochan, kanj mukh,
kar kanj pad kanjarunam Kandarp aganit amit chhavi,
Navvnil jiraj sundaram,
pat pit manahun tadit ruchi,
Suchi naumi Janakasutavaram.
Bhuj din bandu dinesh danav,
dusht dalan nikandanam,
Raghunand anand kand Kaushal,
chandra Dashrath nandanam.
Sir krit kundaltilak charu,
udar ang vibhushanam,
Ajanubhuj san-chap dhar,
sangramajit kharadushanam.
iti badit Tulasidas Shankar,
shesh muni man ranjanam,
Mam hridai kanj nivas kar,
kamadi khal dal bhanjanam.
Manujahi racheu milahi so bar sahaj sundarsanvaro,
Karuna nidhan sujan silu sanehu janat ravaro.
Ehi bhanti Gauri asis suni,
Siya sahit hiya harshin ali,
TuIsi bhavanihin puji-puni mudit man mandir chali.
Jani Gauri anukal,
Siya hiya harshu na jai kahi,
Manjul mangal mul,
bam ang pharkan lage.

Jaya Aadya Shakti Maa Aarti
Jaya aadya shakti, ma jaya aadya shakti
akhand brhamand dipavya, panave pragatya ma
om jayo jayo ma jagdambe
dwitiya mehsarup shivshakti janu, ma shivshakti janu
brahma ganapti gaye, brahma ganapti gaye
hardayi har ma
om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

trutiya tran sarup tribhuvan ma betha, ma tribhuvan ma betha
daya thaki karveli, daya thaki karveli
utarvenima
om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

chouthe chatura malaxmi ma, sachrachal vyapya
char bhuja cho disha, char bhuja cho disha
pragtya dakshin ma
om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

panchame panchrushi panchami gunpadma, ma panchami gunpadma
panchtatv tya soshiye, panchtatv tya soshiye
panchetatvo ma
om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

shashthi tu narayani mahishasur maryo, ma mahishasur maryo
narnari na rupe, narnari na rupe
vyapaya saghale ma
om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

saptami sapt patal sandhya savitri, ma sandhya savitri
gau ganga gayatri, gau ganga gayatri
gauri geeta ma
om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

ashthmi ashtha bhujao ayi ananda, ma ayi ananda
sunivar munivar janamya, sunivar munivar janamya
dev daityoma
om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

navmi navkul nag seve navadurga, ma seve navadurga
navratri na pujan, shivratri na archan
kidha har brahma
om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

dashmi dash avtaar jay vijyalaxmi, ma jay vijyalaxmi
rame ravan marya, rame ravan marya
ravan maryo ma
om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

ekadashi agiyar tatyanikama, ma tatyanikama
kaldurga kalika, kaldurga kalika
shama ne vama
om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

barase kala rup bahuchar amba ma, ma bahuchar amba ma
asur bhairav souie, kal bhairav soiye
tara chhe tuj ma
om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

terase tulja rup tu tarunimata, ma tu tarunimata
brahma vishnu sadashiv, brahma vishnu sadashiv
gun tara gata
om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

shivbhakti ni aarati je koi gaye, ma je koi gaye
bhane shivannad swami, bhane shivannad swami
sukh sampati pashe,
har kaileshe jashe
ma amba dukh harashe
om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi Puja performed on the third day of Diwali (Diwali Pooja) is a way adopted by Hindus to commemorate the splendor of goddess Lakshmi who signifies money and good luck for them. According to the Hindu's sacred books and traditions goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity and Lakshmi Puja (Lakshmi Puja on diwali) is the best way of pleasing her. The occasion of Lakshmi Puja falls on the dark night of amavasya and is devoted entirely to the propitiation of goddess Lakshmi.Lakshmi Puja is also known by the name of "CHOPADA-PUJA" as on this

particular day sun enters his second course and passes by Libra, which is represented by the sign of balance. Thus the design of Libra has been suggested to be the sign for the balancing of the account books. An important tradition associated with Lakshmi Puja is that of gambling, particularly in North India (Diwali festival in India). According to a common belief goddess Parvati while playing dice with her husband, Lord Shiva said that whoever would play dice on the eve of Lakshmi Puja would be granted with prosperity for the entire year.

As the days to diwali are just countable now, so we have come up with the proper steps of performing Lakshmi Puja just for you on this site.

Lakshmi Puja Rituals

Firstly lay a new cloth on a raised platform and then place a handful of grains in the center of the cloth and on the top of these grains situate a Kalash or pitcher, which can be made up of gold, silver or copper.
Then fill the three fourth of kalash with water and lay a betel nut, some flowers, some rice grain and a coin in it. Now arrange five kinds of leaves in the kalash. Cover the kalash with a small plate filled with rice grains.
A lotus flower needs to be drawn over the rice grains with turmeric powder (Haldi) and then place the idol of goddess Lakshmi on the flower along with some coins.
Now place the idol of lord Ganesha in the southwest direction of the idol of goddess Lakshmi, in front of the kalash.
Initiate the Lakshmi Puja by offering haldi, kumkum and flowers to the idols of lord Ganesha and goddess Lakshmi. Next offer these things to the water to be used for the Lakshmi Puja. Through these offerings invoke the river goddess to be a part of this water.
Invoke the goddess Lakshmi with the help of Vedic chants and mantras addressed to the goddess. If you don't know the mantras then simply close your eyes, take some water in your hands and think of goddess Lakshmi and finally offer the flowers to Her idol.
Next keep the idol of goddess Lakshmi in a clean plate and bathe it with water, panchamrit that is a mixture of milk, curd, ghee and sugar and finally with water having some gold ornament or even a pearl. Wipe the idol clean and lay it back on the kalash.
Make the offerings of sandal paste, saffron paste, perfume, kumkum, haldi and gulal to the idol. Now make an offer of garland of cotton beads to both the idols of lord Ganesha and goddess Lakshmi.
Offer the flowers, like the marigold flowers or leaves of bel, which is a wood apple tree. Also make an offering of some sweets, coconut and fruits. Remember to light an incense stick and dhoop in front of the two idols.
Now pour some puffed rice, batasha, cumin seeds and coriander seeds in front of the idols.
Complete the Lakshmi Puja by performing an aarti for goddess Lakshmi and lord Ganesha. Take care to ring a small bell while singing the aarti and it should not be accompanied with claps as is the practice adopted by Hindus while performing the aartis for other Gods.

Ganesh Puja

Ganesh Puja is an imperative part of the Diwali Puja as according to a common belief Lord Ganesh needs to be worshipped in all kinds of Puja before any other God or Goddess. So on the eve of Diwali, Lord Ganesh gracefully shares the altar with the Goddess Lakshmi. According to the Hindu mythology Lord Ganesh is a God of wisdom and worshipping Him on Diwali eve removes the obstacles in one's path of attaining wealth and prosperity.Ganesh Puja at the time of Diwali is a perfect way of commemorating Lord Ganesh along with goddess Lakshmi, the two important Hindu deities.

At the time of Ganesh Puja, the idol of Lord Ganesh is placed on the right while Goddess Lakshmi's idol is kept on the left hand side on the platform prepared for the Diwali Puja. Next offerings are made to both the idols of perfume, haldi, flowers, sandal paste, kumkum, gulal and garland of cotton beads.

The flowers mainly used for Ganesh Puja are the marigold flowers and leaves of Bel or wood apple tree. Incense stick and dhoop are also lit in front of the idols along with offerings of sweets, coconut, fruits and tambul. After making all these offerings Ganesh Aarti and Lakshmi Aarti are sung for honoring both Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi.

The main belief responsible for including Ganesh Puja in the rituals of Diwali is that Lord Ganesh should be pleased and honored to ensure hassle free passage for the accomplishment of wealth, health and prosperity.

Here is Lord Ganesh Aarti, which should be sung at the time of Ganesh Puja for paying reverence and respect to Lord Ganesh.

Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh deva
Mata jaki Parvati, Pita Mahadeva.
Ek dant dayavant, char bhuja dhari
Mathe sindur sohai, muse ki savari, Jai
Ganesh...
Andhan ko ankh det, kodhin ko kaya
Banjhan ko putra det, nirdhan ko maya, Jai
Ganesh....
Pan chadhe, phul chadhe, aur chadhe meva
Ladduan ka bhog lage, saht kare seva, ,Jai
Ganesh....
Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh deva,
Mata jaki Parvata, Pita Mahadeva.

The New Year

The New Year for Hindus is considered to be initiated with the festival of Diwali. Being one of the important festivals of Hindus, Deepavali is celebrated with much fervor by them. There are two reasons for these celebrations, one the comeback of Lord Ram to Ayodhya along with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshman and secondly according to the Hindu calendar the day of Diwali is regarded to be the starting of the New Year for the Hindus worldwide. The occasion is commemorated by wearing new clothes, spring-cleaning and white washing the houses, decorating the entrance of the homes with rangolis and finally exchanging the Diwali gifts with each other.

All these things symbolize some thing or the other like the wearing of new clothes on the occasion of New Year or Diwali eve symbolizes the start of some thing new. Cleaning of the houses signifies the discard of the excess baggage before starting with the New Year.

On this occasion old business accounts and deals are settled and new account books are opened. Special ceremony is performed to worship the books and the participants are encouraged to get free from vices like anger, hate and jealousy from their lives. Like any other festival the New Year also has some customs and traditions associated with it. To start the day young children are required to bow down and touch the feet of their adults for blessings and good wishes.

Secondly people wear new clothes and exchange gifts, sweets, fruits and gifts among them. 56 varieties of food are offered to the deities in order to satiate their appetite and then this very food is distributed among the visitors of the temple. In the evening prayers are offered to the Hindu gods like Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Kali, Kubera and Lord Ram.

After the prayers people indulge themselves in festivities like lighting the candles and small diyas and burst the firecrackers and indulge in the yummiest of feasts.

Kali Puja

Goddess Kali enjoys a significant position in the Indian culture and Kali Puja is considered to be the perfect way of commemorating the goddess. Though she appears in various forms but the most famous image of Goddess Kali shows Her holding a severed head in her one hand and sword in the other, with Her foot on Lord Shiva's chest and a garland of skulls hanging in her neck. The depiction of this form of Goddess Kali has a famous legend behind it according to which during a battle, Goddess Kali became over enthusiastic and started destroying everything in her sight.

To stop this endless violence Lord Shiva threw himself under the Goddess Kali's feet. The goddess got so much shocked on seeing Lord Shiva under Her feet that she stuck out Her tongue in bewilderment.

In this way Her raging madness of destroying everything got over and everything was calmed. Since then Goddess Kali came to be depicted in the fierce form of standing with Her one foot on Lord Shiva's chest and Her tongue stuck out. Apart from this form of Goddess Kali, there are other avatars of Goddess Kali also which reveal her peaceful side as She is depicted as Benign Mother, the epitome of the Eternal night of peace and tranquility. There are in all ten avatars of Goddess Kali of which Shyama Kali is the most famous.

Kali Puja is performed to ask the Goddess Kali for sufficient strength to fight the evil forces and the enemies. The legend associated with Kali Puja talks about a boon granted to demon Raktaveeja that said that for every blood drop of his, which falls on the ground, hundreds of demons like him would be produced. Thus in order to kill the demon it became very important for not letting his blood fall on the ground.

Thereby Goddess Kali killed him with a spear and drank all his blood as it gushed out. After killing the demon, Goddess Kali became so overenthusiastic that She started killing every thing evil in her way. To stop this destruction Lord Shiva immediately threw Himself under Her feet and Goddess Kali on sensing Her husband beneath Her stopped the destruction immediately. Since then Kali Puja came to be celebrated in order to honor the Goddess.

The main belief responsible for including Ganesh Puja in the rituals of Diwali is that Lord Ganesh should be pleased and honored to ensure hassle free passage for the accomplishment of wealth, health and prosperity.

Here is Lord Ganesh Aarti, which should be sung at the time of Ganesh Puja for paying reverence and respect to Lord Ganesh.

Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh deva
Mata jaki Parvati, Pita Mahadeva.
Ek dant dayavant, char bhuja dhari
Mathe sindur sohai, muse ki savari, Jai
Ganesh...
Andhan ko ankh det, kodhin ko kaya
Banjhan ko putra det, nirdhan ko maya, Jai
Ganesh....
Pan chadhe, phul chadhe, aur chadhe meva
Ladduan ka bhog lage, saht kare seva, ,Jai
Ganesh....
Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh deva,
Mata jaki Parvata, Pita Mahadeva.

Diwali Puja Thali Decorations

Arti is performed in order to pay tribute to the Almighty and is one of the most important rituals while offering prayers to the deity. It is a must to be performed amongst the Hindus. The thali by which the Arti is performed is called as the Puja Thali. It can be made up of copper, brass, steel or of silver. Like the entire surroundings are decorated before performing puja, similarly, Puja Thali too is decorated.

Diwali Arti Thali consists of several holy items like sandalwood paste, roli and rice paste, sweets as prasadam, incensed sticks, a hand bell and petals of flowers. Although, the sundry ingredients put in the right manner are in the thali are enough to make it look elegant, but it is sheer devotion of people, who adorn it with other items as well.

Method 1
To initiate the Diwali Puja Thali Decorations, you can make a religious symbol in the middle of the plate, such as that of Swastika and Aum. At the corners of the plate, glue silver or golden zari. You can also use glitter paste and sequins to adorn the plate with.

Method 2
Cover the entire plate with a vibrant colored piece of cloth or paper. Then make traditional designs over it. The cloth or paper you have chosen must have a traditional print and should be in cotton. You can go for Rajasthani prints, bhandege, polka dots etc. Highlight the edges with a lace or zari of contrast color to the base.

Method 3
Take a mud clay plate and color it with the oil paint. Make geometrical, traditional, religious and other designs with brilliant colors. This would make your Puja thali look more like a Rangoli. Puja Thali decorations can be an interesting activity to indulge in while you are soaked into the festive mood. Use your imagination and color your Diwali with happiness and love.

Diwali Significance

The significance of Diwali cannot be explained in a few words as the charisma of this great festival is so much that you need to feel it from the deepest chords of your heart. No words or Diwali pictures can explain to you the real significance of Diwali in the lives of hundreds and thousands of people residing all over the world, who celebrate this festival with much fervor and enthusiasm. Also known by the names of 'Deepavali' and 'Festival of Lights', the festival of Diwali is celebrated not only in India but also in other parts of the world like Singapore, Thailand and many more places, which celebrate it according to their traditions and customs.

The last day of the last month of lunar calendar is reserved for the auspicious day of Diwali. Mainly the celebrations of Diwali go on for five days, and each day holds its own importance, with many legends associated with each day. The five days of Diwali celebrations are Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Diwali, Padwa and Govardhan Puja and Bhaiya Dooj.

There are many legends associated with Diwali as mentioned in the books talking about the history of Diwali but the most famous of them is the legend of Lord Ram. This legend revolves around Lord Ram who was sent to exile for fourteen years by his stepmother. Lord Ram was not alone in this exile as he was accompanied by his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshman. During the exile Sita was kidnapped by the demon Ravan who forcibly took Sita to his kingdom in Sri Lanka. Lord Ram fought a fierce war with Ravan in which he took the help of monkey king Sugvir and the monkey God Hanuman and many other monkeys. Lord Ram was victorious in the war and he freed his wife Sita from Ravan's captivity. After winning the war Lord Ram came back to his kingdom in Ayodhya along with Sita and Lakshman and since then the day of his comeback came to be celebrated as the day of Diwali in India in order to commemorate Lord Ram.

Another legend associated with celebrations of Diwali in India and more famous in Maharashtra and Mysore is of the legendary king Bali who was immensely popular for his generosity. However the success of king Bali became an issue of fear for the gods who prayed to Lord Vishnu for destroying king Bali. Lord Vishnu took the incarnation of a dwarf Brahmin and asked king Bali for as much land as he would be able to cover with his three steps. Looking at the stature of the Brahmin the king Bali readily agreed. At this Lord Vishnu took the form of a large giant and covered the whole of earth and heaven with his two foot steps. On asking for the place of keeping his third step, king Bali happily placed his head under the footstep of the Lord who pushed him into the underworld. But being pleased with his generosity Lord Vishnu granted him a boon of being able to visit his kingdom once a year. According to a common belief it is during the celebrations of Diwali only when king Bali comes on earth to visit his kingdom.

Diwali Rangoli Tradition

Diwali as a festival symbolizes the age-old culture of our country. It is a celebration, which teaches us to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Thus even today the festival of Diwali is celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervor all over the country. A major tradition connected with Diwali is the tradition of Rangoli. The tradition of Rangoli has been associated with the celebrations of Diwali since time immemorial and even today these Rangolis are prepared for the purpose of decorating the entrance of most of the households for the grand occasion of Diwali.

Rangoli is basically a Hindu folk art, which is drawn on the floors using different designs and colors. The origin of the Diwali Rangolis can be traced back to the Puranas or the works of Hindu mythology. Though according to the history of the Rangolis, the tradition of Rangoli initiated in Maharashtra but slowly this tradition moved to the other parts of the country and became an integral part of the Diwali decorations.

According to a famous legend associated with the origin of the tradition of Rangoli, there was a king whose kingdom went into deep sorrow on hearing upon the death of the son of the high priest. Every one of them prayed to Lord Brahma, who was moved by these prayers and who asked the king to draw a portrait of the boy on the floor in which He would put some life. The King did as told and the boy came to life. Since that day the Rangolis came to prepared on every major festival.

These Rangolis are known by the name of Kolam in South India, Alpana in Bengal, Madana in Rajasthan and Aripana in Bihar. Rangoli is in fact a Sanskrit word, which implies the creative expression through the means of the color. The tradition of Rangoli is used for decorating the entrances, walls and courtyards of the homes at the time of Diwali, as this is the time when people visit each other's homes for the exchange of sweets and Diwali gifts and Diwali Rangolis provide a nice view of the house to them.

There are many Rangoli themes using which you can make many beautiful Rangoli designs. Some common Rangoli themes are the symbols such as dancing figures, birds, flowers, Ashoka tree's leaves, the symbol of Swastik, human figures, chakra, stars and the geometrical figures like circles, curves, squares, ovals and rectangles. Apart from these Rangoli themes a common practice is also of making the footsteps of the Goddess Lakshmi entering the home from the entrance point.

These Rangolis can be prepared with a combination of diverse colors and with the colored powders or colored pastes. To enhance the beauty of these Rangoli designs you can place some decorative pieces like a lighted Deepak, colored rice grains, colored sand and the colorful flower petals.

Diwali Tradition of Fireworks

The festival of Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil as on this very day lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after killing demon Ravan and thus destroying the evil forces prevalent in the form of the demon. The comeback of Lord Ram came to be celebrated in the form of the festival of Diwali and the most important part of these celebrations is the tradition of fireworks. This tradition of fireworks has been associated with the celebrations of Diwali since time immemorial and is still followed with much enthusiasm.

According to the customary traditions of Diwali prayers are offered to Gods and this is followed by the exchange of sweets and gifts as a form of Diwali greetings. After the prayers have been offered and gifts have been exchanged, it is a time to indulge in bursting of Diwali.The tradition of fireworks is so popular at the time of Diwali as it is a common belief that the illumination of homes with lights and the skies with firecrackers is an expression of obeisance to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity. A more scientific belief says that the lighting of fireworks on the eve of Diwali leads to fumes, which have the potential of killing insects and mosquitoes.

The tradition of fireworks at the time of Diwali light up the sky and present a beautiful scene of lights and sound on the sky. The magic of the fireworks is so great that people from every age group and every social strata love to participate in the tradition of fireworks at the time of Diwali.

Another legend associated with celebrations of Diwali in India and more famous in Maharashtra and Mysore is of the legendary king Bali who was immensely popular for his generosity. However the success of king Bali became an issue of fear for the gods who prayed to Lord Vishnu for destroying king Bali. Lord Vishnu took the incarnation of a dwarf Brahmin and asked king Bali for as much land as he would be able to cover with his three steps. Looking at the stature of the Brahmin the king Bali readily agreed.

At this Lord Vishnu took the form of a large giant and covered the whole of earth and heaven with his two foot steps. On asking for the place of keeping his third step, king Bali happily placed his head under the footstep of the Lord who pushed him into the underworld. But being pleased with his generosity Lord Vishnu granted him a boon of being able to visit his kingdom once a year. According to a common belief it is during the celebrations of Diwali only when king Bali comes on earth to visit his kingdom.

Diwali Tradition of Lights

Diwali is primarily known by the name of 'Festival of Lights' because of the following of the tradition of lights by many people all over the world, as a part of Diwali celebrations. The tradition of lights associated with Diwali celebrations is a symbol of victory of good over evil. According to the tradition of lights, hundreds and thousands of lamps are lit on the eve of Diwali Puja, as a mark of celebration and request to the gods for granting light in place of darkness in the human lives.The tradition of lights during Diwali is followed by filling the homes with many lamps, candles and lights.

Nowadays many people use decorative light candles, diyas and clay lamps in place of the ordinary lamps, lights and candles.

Traditionally people make use of 'earthen lamps' having cotton wicks in them with some oil in order to light up the night. Though people have become modern nowadays and have started using electric lamps and candles of different colors and shapes in place of the earthen lamps.

There are many legends associated with the festival of lights, of which the most famous legend in the northern India is that of the comeback of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after killing the demon Ravan and after suffering the exile of fourteen years in jungle. To celebrate the comeback of Lord Ram along with His wife Sita and younger brother Lakshman, the citizens of Ayodhya lighted many lamps and diyas and distributed sweets along with bursting of many firecrackers. Since that day the eve of Diwali puja came to celebrated by the lighting of lamps and diyas after offering prayers to Gods in the form of Diwali puja.

On the other hand in South India the festival of lights is celebrated in order to commemorate the victory of Goddess Durga over the fierce demon Narakasura. Whatever may be the reason for celebrating the festival of lights is celebrated with much fervor and zeal in all the parts of the country. There are many options available for the lamps to be used on the Diwali eve nowadays. In addition to the ordinary earthen diyas, you can also opt for colorful wax candles and colored electric bulbs.

There are many earthen lamps in the shape of handis or bowls also available in the market. These handis are also available with innovative designs on them, which can add a touch of elegance to your home on this Diwali.

Diwali Gift Tradition

Diwali, a major Hindu festival is also known by the name of 'festival of lights', as it symbolizes the victory of good over evil and hence hundreds and thousands of lights and diyas are lit on this day to mark the hope for mankind. Diwali gift tradition is one of the major traditions associated with Diwali and is followed religiously all over the world. Diwali Celebrations take place everywhere in India, at dusk when darkness unfolds itself, you can see a spectacular illumination of tiny flickering lamps adorning in rows - at homes, buildings and streets.

All sorts of makeshift stalls suddenly spring out on the pavements and the bazaars are choc-a-bloc with people and all sweet shops display their latest temptations. People visit the places of their relatives and friends to wish them on the occasion of Diwali and exchange gifts and for those who cannot pay a personal visit there is a mind-boggling range of cards and gifts to choose from.

Well Diwali gift tradition holds its own importance among the Diwali celebrations as through these gifts people get a chance to share their feelings of care, love, affection and happiness with each other. Feasts are arranged and gaily-dressed men, women and children go to temples and fairs, visit friends and relatives. Markets are gaily decorated and lit up. Everybody adorns new and bright clothes, especially ladies get decorated in the best of ornaments. This captures the Diwali celebrations at its happiest. All this illumination and fireworks, joy and festivity, is to signify the victory of divine forces over those of wickedness. Even countries like Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia are known for different ways of Diwali celebrations.

Diwali Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is an integral part of the Diwali celebrations. This day is also known by the name of 'Chopada-Puja'. Lakshmi-Puja is performed for the sole purpose of propitiating Goddess Lakshmi and to thank Her for the bestowal of her blessings on the humans. Lakshmi-Puja falls on the darkest night of Amavasya, though with the help of innumerable lamps and diyas this darkness is reduced to such an extent that it seems as if one is celebrating Diwali in broad daylight.

Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is a major part of the Diwali celebration in North and West India. According to the legend associated with Lakshmi Puja, there once occurred the churning of ocean by the demons and the deities in order to look for the 'amrit' or the 'drink of immortality'. On this day Goddess Lakshmi manifested herself from the ocean and since then Diwali began to be celebrated and Lakshmi Puja became an important part of the Diwali celebrations in order to commemorate the Goddess Lakshmi.

According to a common belief Goddess Lakshmi walks through the green fields as well as the bye-lanes in order to shower her blessings on the human race for peace, wealth and prosperity. Thus everyone is advised to open the doors and the windows of their homes on the eve of Lakshmi Puja.

Cleanliness forms another important part of the rituals of Lakshmi Puja on Diwali. People try to keep their houses neat and clean on this day, as Goddess Lakshmi is believed to like cleanliness and she visits the cleanliest house first. Another ritual is of lighting the diyas and lamps on the eve of Diwali in order to light up the path of Goddess Lakshmi. Puja for five deities are included in the process of Lakshmi Puja on Diwali. Foremost Lord Ganesha is worshipped in the beginning of the Puja, then Goddess Lakshmi is revered through the Lakshmi Puja, Mahasaraswati who is regarded to be the goddess of books and learning is worshipped for gaining of knowledge and last but not the least Lord Kubera who is the treasurer of the wealth of gods.

Diwali Padwa and Govardhan Puja

The day following Diwali or the fourth day of the Diwali celebrations is known by the names of 'Padwa & Govardhan Puja'. These two festivals are celebrated differently in the diverse geographical parts of the country. While the festival of Padwa is celebrated in order to celebrate the coronation of king Vikramaditya, the festival of Govardhan Puja is celebrated for commemorating the incidence of lifting of Mount Govardhan by Lord Krishna. Though both the festivals 'Padwa & Govardhan Puja' are celebrated wit much fervor but in different parts of the country.
While Padwa is celebrated in parts like Maharashtra and the western states of India, Govardhan puja is mainly associated with the northern parts of the country.

Padwa
'Kartik shuddh padwa' or simply 'Padwa' is the name given to the day following Amavasya. According to a famous legend, on this very day the very powerful King Bali comes out of the patala lok every year to rule over his kingdom on Bhuloka, as per the boon awarded to him by Lord Vishnu. Since then this day came to be celebrated as Padwa in order to honor and welcome the King Bali. This day is also known by the name of 'Bali Padyami'. The day of Padwa also has a historic importance, as it is considered to be the day of the coronation of king Vikramaditya. Gudi Padwa is also a symbol of husband wife love and on this very day according to a famous custom the newly married daughters along with their husbands are invited to their parental homes for special meals and feasts.

Diwali Dhanteras

Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of the ashwin month and two days before the festival of Diwali. The word 'Dhan' signifies wealth and hence this particular day of all the five days of Diwali celebrations is considered to be of utmost importance for the rich mercantile community of India particularly in the western part of India. This day of Dhanteras is meant to be the day of renovating and decorating of the houses and the business premises. Traditional motifs of Rangoli designs are particularly used for decorating the entrance of the homes in order to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
To signify the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi into the house, small footprints prepared with rice flour and Vermillion powder are made in the entire house. This day is also regarded to be auspicious for women to buy some gold or silver or some utensil. Buying some dhan or some form of precious metal on Dhanteras is regarded to be a sign of good luck. In the evening 'Lakshmi Puja' is performed and diyas are lighted to drive away the shadows of the evil spirit.

According to the most famous legend associated with Dhanteras is that of Samundramanthan, the name given to the churning of the ocean by gods and demons for getting amrit or nectar from the ocean. The result of churning was the arrival of Dhanavantri, the physician of the gods along with the jar of elixir. Since then the day came to be celebrated as the day of Dhanteras.

Another legend associated with Dhanteras is that of sixteen-year-old son of King Hima who was doomed to die by snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. On the fourth day of his marriage the prince was not allowed to go to sleep by his young wife, who laid ornaments and lots of gold and silver in a heap at the entrance of her husband's boudoir and lighted thousands of lamps all over the palace and went on telling stories and songs to her husband for the entire night.

Yam, the God of death arrived in the night only to be blinded with the light of the lamps. Since he was not able to enter the prince's room, Yam climbed the heap of the ornaments and the gold and sat there for the entire night listening to the stories and songs and in the morning quietly went away. Since that day Dhanteras came to be celebrated as the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and many lamps are lighted for the entire night in adoration to yam, the God of death.

Choti Diwali

Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivities in the Indian culture. The splendor of the festival of Diwali is so great that the celebrations for Diwali go on for five days. Choti Diwali, which falls on the fourteenth day of the Hindi month, Kartik just after Dhanteras, is celebrated as the second day of Diwali. The other name given to Choti Diwali is that of 'Narak Chaturdasi'. The Choti Diwali is celebrated with the same fervor and enthusiasm though on a much lower scale.Just like Diwali, there is a tradition of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, decorating the homes with Diwali Rangolis and lights, bursting crackers and lighting of diyas on the occasion of Choti Diwali also. As per the legends

associated with Choti Diwali are concerned there is one famous legend of the demon king Narakasur, who used to rule over Pragjyotishpur, which is a province in the South of Nepal. After winning the war with the deities of the heaven, he empowered the kingdom of Lord Indra, imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of the gods and harems in the heaven and even snatched the earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi, who was not only the mother of the deities of heaven but also the relative of Satyabhama, Lord Krishna's wife. Satyabhama lost her cool on hearing about this malevolent act of Narakasur and prayed to Lord Krishna to empower her so that she could be able to kill Narakasur. Narakasur was under a curse that a woman would kill him. So Lord Krishna empowered Satyabhama and she was able to murder Narakasur by beheading him. She then rescued the sixteen thousand women prisoners from the clutches of Narakasur and even recovered Mother Goddess Aditi's earrings. In order to save the women from embarrassment, Lord Krishna married all the sixteen thousand women and accepted them as His wife.

Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with blood as a sign of victory over Narakasur and returned home with his wives on the morning of Choti Diwali. Lord Krishna was massaged with scented oil by the womenfolk on the morning of Narak Chaturdasi and since then it became a practice to take a bath before sunrise on the day of Narak Chaturdasi.

According to another legend associated with Choti Diwali, there was a king of the nether world by the name of 'King Bali'. Though a demon, King Bali was very influential and his increasing powers posed a great threat to the deities of the heaven who went to Lord Vishnu asking for his help in eradicating King Bali. Lord Vishnu took the incarnation of 'Batu Waman', a short-height Brahmin and went to King Bali and begged him for that area of land which He would be able to cover by his three steps as King Bali was very much famous for his philanthropy.

When king Bali saw the small size of the Brahmin and heard about his request he just smiled and readily granted the Brahmin's request. At this moment the Brahmin got converted into Lord Vishnu who covered heaven with his first step and the earth with his second step. With his third step Lord Vishnu covered king Bali's head and pushed him into the underground. But at the same time being impressed with King Bali's generosity Lord Vishnu granted the king with the lamp of knowledge and allowed him to visit his kingdom once a year.

Since that day the day of the death of King Bali came to be commemorated through the celebrations of Choti Diwali.

Diwali Bhai Duj
The Fifth day of Diwali Festival is known by the name of 'Bhai Duj' or 'Bhaiya Dooj'. This festival marks the love between the sisters and brothers and is known to strengthen the bond of care and affection between the two. Through the means of this festival the sisters commemorate their brothers with an auspicious tilak or a vermilion mark on their foreheads. In return brothers are expected to present some lavish gifts to their sisters. Well Bhai Duj is not only about the applying of tilak on someone's forehead or giving out gifts, but it also reflects the rich Indian culture and traditions, which gives due
attention and respect to all kinds of relationships. Bhai Duj is a day of getting together of families and friends, forgotten enmities, enjoyment and merriment.

According to a legend associated with the celebrations of Bhai Duj, Lord Krishna went to her sister Subhadra's home after killing the Narakasura demon. Subhadra welcomed him with lamps, flowers, sweets an applied vermilion mark on his forehead. Since that day sisters adopted this practice of applying vermilion mark on their brother's forehead on the day of Bhai Duj. Another legend linked with the Bhai Duj tells the story of God Surya who got married to a princess by the name of Samjna, also pronounced as Sangya. She gave birth to twins who were named Yama and Varni or the river Yamuna. After some time Samjna left God Surya and left behind her exact replica by the name of 'chaya' so that her husband would not come to know about her absence.

Chaya turned out to be a very cruel stepmother who persuaded god Surya to drive both Yama and Varni out of their home. Varni fell to the earth and turned into river Yamuna while Yama went to the underworld and became the King of Death. In the course of time Varni married a young prince but kept on missing her brother. On the other hand Yama also kept yearning for her sister and decided to pay her a visit.

On hearing about his visit Varni made a lot of preparations and organized a great feast in his honor. Yama on receiving so much love from his sister got overwhelmed and told Varni that since he hasn't brought any gift for her so she should herself ask for any appropriate gift. Varni asked him to grant her a boon according to which every brother on the particular day of Bhai Duj would have to pay a visit to his sister's home. Yama happily granted this wish of her and also said that any brother who would gift a nice present to his sister on this day would be granted with a long and healthy life.

Since that day Bhai Duj came to be celebrated with much fervor with sisters applying tilak on their brother's forehead and brothers giving precious gifts to their sisters as a token of their love and affection for them.

Diwali Diyas

The fifteenth night of the month of Karthika is a no moon night, that is, 'Amavasya' is celebrated as the festival of Diwali by Hindus residing across the globe. But, with zillions of Diyas lit, the darkness has to find a place to hide. They enlighten the aura with such a brilliance that amidst the sheen of it evil is engulfed.

Widely known as 'The Festival Of Lights', Diwali connotes the victory of good over evil. Numerous folklores are associated with the festival of Diwali. And every tale indicate towards one fact that it is inevitable for the good to triumph over evil. On one hand, Lord Rama ended the reign of Ravana and on the other hand Lord Krishna killed demon Narakasura, thereby, re-establishing peace and happiness in three worlds.

Diwali Diyas is the embodiment of the same goodness, virtuosity, and eternal truth. For Hindus, light is the symbol of knowledge, wisdom, goodness, happiness, peace, truth and prosperity. Whereas, darkness symbolizes everything opposite to it. We find in legendary stories of Diwali the mention of the role of Diyas. Natives of Ayodhya lit Diyas in the way of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Mother Sita so that they would not get distracted from the path.

It was physically done at that time, but there is a deeper significance relevant even in contemporary times. Diya not only help in enlightening the physical path but the spiritual path too. It shows the right way so that our soul never indulge in any kind of evil. It teaches the lesson of brotherhood and encourages everyone to choose the road that leads to serenity of mind and soul.

People belonging to Hindu community all around the world indulge in lavish celebrations of the festival, but it is also important to understand the essence of these celebrations. The lesson is not confined to be adopted by Hindus only, but it the idea is universal and thus encompasses the mankind on the whole. If these beautiful Diyas would start appealing to everyone's mind and soul can turn the world into a Utopian one.

Diwali Lights

Diwali is celebrated each year with all the more buoyancy and cheerfulness than the last year. Every New Year of Diwali gets to see all the more firecrackers, sweets, Diwali gifts and illumination of Diwali lights. The festival of lights has been called so for the simple reason of the usage of hundreds and thousands of the Diwali lights on the Deepavali eve, which convert the moonless dark night of amavasya into a lighted night with hundreds of lights being put up at every corner.People believe that if their houses would be properly lit with many Diwali lights on the eve of diwali puja then Goddess Lakshmi would definitely pay a visit to their home and will fill their home with wealth and prosperity.
Well this is not the only reason for the lighting up of so many Diwali lights. Another popular legend associated with the Diwali lights is of the celebrations, which took place in ayodhya in order to commemorate the coming back of Lord Ram along with his wife Sita, and younger brother Lakshman. The people of Ayodhya were so happy on the comeback of Lord Ram that they lit up many lights in order to show off their happiness. Since then the Diwali lights came to be used for celebrating Diwali.

Diwali lights include candles, lamps and diyas. At the time of Diwali, the sale of all these things increases up to two fold. Earlier people believed in making use of only earthen oil lamps, as they did not have many options at that time. But now as the times have changed so have the use of earthen oil lamps for lighting purpose.

Nowadays people make use of candles, which come in different colors, shapes, sizes and styles. Then nowadays in the market you get to see electric lights also and even colored electric lamps. You can also find many different varieties of earthen lamps like the handi lamps, which are basically the earthen lamps shaped as handis or bowls.

There are many options available with the candles also. Like you can get regular rod-shaped candles, which are available in small, medium and large sizes. In addition you can also find designer candles, like the flower-shaped or heart-shaped candles. Besides you can also get scented candles or the glass gel candles that can burn for days together.

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