The Festival of Diwali

Diwali is one of the most important festivals in India. This festival is celebrated on the eve of the winter season. The word Diwali has its origin in the Sanskrit word Deepawali, meaning a row of lights,
On this day houses, shops, godowns, and offices are illuminated. There are displays of fireworks in various localities and individual houses. People are cheerful and full of spirits on this day. On this day Laxmi the goddess of wealth is worshipped so that she might bestow wealth upon her devotees. This festival also hails the advent of winter and harvest time. There is another health-related reason for the celebration of this festival-a large number of harmful insects breed during the months in which Diwali is celebrated, they are destroyed by illumination and the fumes of sulfur given out by the fireworks.
Days before the festival people clean and whitewash their houses. Different varieties of sweets are prepared. Children buy firecrackers, while adults buy earthenware lamps, oil, and cotton wicks.
On Diwali day people decorate their houses with lighted lamps and electric lights. The whole family sits before the statues of goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesh and offers prayers. The trader community starts new account books. After the prayers, people greet each other and burn crackers. The markets are decorated with electric lights. Thus all decorated houses and markets make a beautiful sight. –
Another significance of this festival besides the religious aspect is the ushering in of a fresh new year full of hope and health.
However, there is a negative aspect of gambling attached to the festival. Gambling has resulted in the financial ruin of many people. At times due to the raids of the Police, many people have landed in jail and ruined their reputations