Diwali, one of the biggest festivals of Hindus, celebrates the marking Southern India’s

Lord Krishna defeated the demon narakasura, King Rama’s triumph over Ravana in northern

India, and western India celebrates Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the Hindus gods, victory over

King Bali . Diwali is celebrated in five consecutive days, however, the third day is the main

Diwali festival called the “Festival of Lights”. Through centuries, Diwali became a national

festival for celebration of all religions consisting of: Hindus, Jains, Buddhist, and Sikhs. Diwali

also made itself a harvest festival in the months of October and November to harvest their food

before the winter season.     

“Diwali is the Festival of Lights where a lot of Hindus light up their homes with candles and enjoy the food with festivities to celebrate the happiness people share in India ,”sophomore Riddi Rege said.  

The colorful varieties of fireworks makes up the uproar of enthusiasm for the festival. Speaking of lighting it up, people set up their diyas (oil lamp made up of clay) with lightly scented candles all around their homes to begin this felicitous day. When the sun sets on this glorious day, the Laxmi Puja is performed to seek the divine blessings of the Goddess of Wealth.

What makes up the festival of Diwali is the exchange of gifts with friends and family who are appreciated with the showering of gifts upon their door steps. The most common gift is the magical artwork of a Rangoli (artwork done on floors). Indian scriptures and puranas (Hindu mythological literature works) can be attributed from the creative Rangoli art.

Ancient Indian art has been the origin from the Indian state Maharashtra. Rangoli is the sanskrit word for signifying a creative expression of colors. In ancient times, homes for Indians having beautiful patterns of Rangoli has been a way of welcoming guests into their homes. This art has been the symbol of good luck to Hindus. Diwali is celebrated on Oct 30th  if anyone is wondering when to light up the homes and enjoy the festivities in their hometown.