DIWALI/DEEPAVALI SPEECH

I ,the Chakra Indian Student Association President welcome one and all to the
celebration of Diwali/Deepavali also known as the festival of lights.It is the biggest and
the most important public holiday of the year. Let me give you an insight into the
historical and the cultural significance the festival holds throughout entire India.

The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light
outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness.
This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians.
The festival is interpreted based on the following stories from the regions of India where
they reside:
– In Northern India, they celebrate the return of King Rama to Ayodhya, after
vanquishing the evil ten-headed Ravana by righting rows of lamps and bursting fire
crackers in their homes.
– In Southern India, it is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeats the
demon Narakasura. It is celebrated with fire crackers, poojas , lights and sounds.
– In Western India, the festival marks the day that Lord Vishnu sent the demon king
Bali to rule nether world.

In ALL INTERPRETATIONS IT ONLY POINTS TO ONE COMMON THREAD

THE TRIUMPH OF GOOD OVER EVIL!

Five days of Diwali
– On the first day of Diwali, people clean their households and utensils.
– On the second day they decorate their homes with clay lamps and create rangolis
on the floors using colored powders or sand, just like the one we have outside the
HPC.
– The third day is the most important day when the families gather together burst
fire crackers,perform prayers and have mouth-watering feasts.
– The fourth day is the first day of the new year when friends and relatives visit with
gifts and best wishes for the upcoming season.
– On the final day, brothers visit their married sisters and who welcome them with
love and lavish meal.

So enough of the history guys, let’s get started to celebrate Diwali the way it has to be
celebrated. HAPPY DIWALI!!!