Deepawali or Diwali, is a festival of lights symbolizing the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. The word 'Deepawali' literally means rows of diyas (clay lamps). This is one of the most popular festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartika (October/November). This festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile.

The most beautiful of all Indian festivals, Diwali is a celebration of lights. Streets are illuminated with rows of clay lamps and homes are decorated with colours and candles. This festival is celebrated with new clothes, spectacular firecrackers and a variety of sweets in the company of family and friends. All this illumination and fireworks, joy and festivity, signify the victory of divine forces over those of wicked.

Pics of Diwali

Pooja (Preparing for prayers)

House Lightning with oil lamps but now mostly done with LED Bulbs

Rangoli ( Art with wooden colorful powders

Crackers

You can google more pics by search term "Deepawali"

WORLD RECORD:

Ayodhya ( Birth Place of Lord Ram - 5000 BCE) on Friday created a new Guinness world record by lighting 6,06,569 earthen lamps (diyas) at the majestic Ram Ki Paidi ghat on the banks of the Saryu river and other ghats of the temple town during the fourth Deepotsav.

Ram Ki Paidi, a series of ghats, wore a celestial look with lakhs of earthen diyas illuminating it in the backdrop of the Saryu.

A Guinness team was present to judge the event. By creating this world record, the Ayodhya administration broke its own record it set last year by lighting 4,10,000 diyas.

Environmental Issues:

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday directed that there would be a total ban on sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers between November 10 and 30 in all cities and towns across the country where the average ambient air quality in November fell under the ‘poor’ and above category.

Deepavali is one of the oldest festivals known to mankind. Crackers were introduced 150-200 years ago only. People are becoming more aware of environmental issues.

May millions of lamps illuminate your life with joy, prosperity, health, and wealth forever. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Diwali 2020.

Diwali also marks New Year in some parts of India ( Western India) following the Lunar Calendar while Holi marks New year in some parts of India (North India) Solar Calendar.

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