Deepawali or Diwali, one of the most celebrated and most pretty of all Hindu festivals. It is a festival of lights symbolizing the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. It is a festival of joy, splendor, brightness and happiness. The word 'Deepawali' or 'Diwali' means rows of diyas (clay lamps). This festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile. Twinkling oil lamps or diyas light up every home and fireworks displays are common all across the country. The goddess Lakshmi (consort of Vishnu), who is the symbol of wealth and prosperity, is also worshipped on this day. This festive occasion also marks the beginning of the Hindu new year and Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed god, the symbol of auspiciosness and wisdom, is also worshipped in most hindu homes on this day. Another view is that Deepawali is meant to celebrate the destruction of the arrogant tyrant Bali at the hands of Vishnu when the latter appeared in his Vamana (dwarf) avatar. The occasion of Diwali sees the spring cleaning and white washing of houses, decorative designs are painted on floors and walls. New clothes are bought and family members and relatives gather together to offer prayers, distribute sweets and light up their homes. Diwali falls on the last day of the last month of the lunar calendar
Diwali is celebrated for five days. The five day celebration begins with "Dhanteras". Dhanteras is the day to worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Hindu culture has never considered wealth to be corruptive.
The second day is celebrated as "Kali Chaudas" the day to worship Kali, the goddess of Strength; the day to abolish laziness and evil which create hell in our life and shine light on life. Another name which this day is remembered by is "Narak Chaturdasi".
Diwali, being the festival of lights, thousands of lamps are lit in and outside every home on this day. Lamp or "Deep" is the symbol of knowledge. Lighting the lamp of knowledge within us means to understand and reflect upon the significant purpose of each of the five days of festivities and to bring those thoughts into our day to day lives. This day we forget our enemies and jealousy , and lighten the path of life which is done by the lights.
New Years is a very important day for business communities as it is the end of the fiscal year. Old accounts are settled, new books are opened. It is time to take account of one's life, to reflect upon life and remove anger, hatred, jealousy and callousness from life and have renewed hope from the new year.
The day following New Year is celebrated as "Balipratipada". This is mainly celebrated in India to symbolize a famous King named Bali in Ancient India.
