Essay on Diwali

Diwali, also called Deepawali, is one of the biggest festivals of India. It falls in October or November, on the new moon night of the month of Kartik. People believe that on this day Lord Rama came back to Ayodhya after fourteen years in the forest, and the people of the city lit rows of lamps to welcome him. Before Diwali, we clean our homes and decorate them with lights, flowers and rangoli. In the evening we worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, light diyas and share sweets with neighbours and friends. Diwali teaches us that light wins over darkness and good wins over evil. It is a festival of joy, and it is best enjoyed in a safe and clean way.

Diwali, or Deepawali, is known as the festival of lights. The word Deepawali means a row of lamps. It is celebrated all over India and by Indians across the world, usually in October or November. For children, it is the happiest time of the year: schools are closed, the house smells of sweets, and every street shines at night.

There is a well-loved story behind the festival. Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana after fourteen years of exile and after defeating Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit earthen lamps in every home to welcome them. Since then, lamps are lit every year on this night. Many people also worship Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali and pray for the well-being of the family.

Diwali is not a festival of one day. The celebrations go on for five days: Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, the main day of Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Preparations begin weeks earlier. Homes are cleaned and painted. Markets are full of diyas, lights, clothes and gifts. On the main evening, families make rangoli, light diyas, offer prayers and then visit relatives and neighbours with sweets.

In recent years, people have become more aware of the harm done by loud and smoky firecrackers. They pollute the air, frighten animals and birds, and trouble old people and babies. Many families now choose to light more lamps and burst fewer crackers, or none at all. Giving sweets or clothes to those who have less is another beautiful way to celebrate.

Diwali carries a simple message: light is stronger than darkness, and goodness is stronger than evil. When we light a diya, we can also promise to remove a little darkness from our own habits. That is the true spirit of the festival of lights.