Festival of lights

IntroductionHistorySignificanceDiwali giftsRangoliOur school

Diwali is one of the biggest festival of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. The festival is celebrated for five continuous days, where the third day is celebrated as the main Diwali festival. On this auspicious day, people light up diyas and candles all around. They perform Laxmipuja and seek divine blessings of Goddess of Wealth. People present diwali gifts to all dear ones.

Diwali dates back to ancient times in India, as a festival after the summer harvest in the Hindu calendar month of Karthikai.

The festival is mentioned in PadmaPurana, Skanda Purana and other Sanskrit scriptures.

The diyas (lamps) symbolically represent parts of the Sun, the cosmic giver of light and energy to all living forms.

Diwali is one of the happiest and brightest festivals in India.

People indulge in significant preparations. They clean their homes and decorate them for the festivities. people buy new clothes for themselves and their families, exchange gifts and buy kitchen utensils.

It is one of the biggest shopping seasons in India.

People create rangoli and other creative patterns on floors, near doors and walkways. They light the diyas and offer sweets to each other.

There is significant variation in regional practices and rituals. Depending on the region, prayers are offered before one or more deities, with most common being Lakshmi -the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

On Diwali night, fireworks light up the neighbourhood skies. Later, family members and invited friends celebrate the night over food and

Giving gifts has always been an important rituals of the festival of Diwali. As is customary, Diwali gifts are an acknowledgement of love and affection that we give to our loved ones. After Diwali Puja and befor e lighting the crackers, gifts are exchanged among

People buy gifts for family members and friends which typically includes sweets, dry fruits and seasonal specialities depending on regional harvest and customs. It is also the period when little kids hear ancient stories, legends, myths and battle between good and evil, light and darkness from their parents and elders.

Rangoli is a folk art from India in which patterns are created on the floor.

using materials such as coloured rice, dry flour, coloured sand or flower petals.

They are meant to be sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities. The ancient symbols have been passed down through the ages.

The purpose of rangoli is decoration, and it is thought to bring good luck.

Rangoli designs can be simple geometric

My school, St mark’s Sr Sec Public school, was decorated beautifully. A colorful ‘rangoli’ was also made at the reception.

Efforts By~ Pratishtha Verhwani

9th GradeSt Mark’s Sr Sec public school, Meera bagh, New delhi, India.