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Diwali 1
Diwali 1
It is one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated with pomp and splendour all over India and in many other parts of the world
The Hindu calendar is based on the lunar cycle and the movement of the moon, unlike the conventional Western (or Gregorian) calendar. The result is that Hindu festivals move about the Western calendar from year to year. Diwali, for example falls on the date of the new moon between the Hindu months of Asvina and Kartika, usually this is in October or November.
After fourteen years of exile in the forest, the King of Ayodhya, Rama, and his brother Laksman, returned to their hometown. Before that, they defeated Demon King Ravana in a fierce war. Upon Rama's return to Ayodhya the people of the town lit lamps to welcome the King back and to celebrate the victory over Ravana. Overjoyed at the return of King Rama, the people danced and celebrated and fired fireworks to show how happy they were. These festivities continue every year at Diwali and are still celebrated today.
Celebrations
The celebration means as much to Hindus as Christmas does to Christians. Because there are many regions in India, there are many different versions of the Diwali festival. The celebration of Diwali is often accompanied by the exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country.
The second day is called Narka Chaturdashi. It marks the death of the tyrant king Narakusara who imprisoned many sons and daughters of the Gods.
Rangoli-Painted Prayers