The Festival of Lights

Diwali, also known as “The festival of Lights”, is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists all across India. It is a five-day festival celebrated with a lot of lights, crackers and festivities.

Legend has it that Rama, the King of Ayodhya returned with his wife Sita and brother Laskhmana to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile after vanquishing Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit ghee lamps to illuminate their path in the darkness.

The first day of Diwali, we get up much before dawn have a jasmine oil bath and wear new clothes. Mom lights a dozen lamps, and draws a beautiful rangoli outside our home. Sweets are exchanged between friends and neighbors. We get together and light fire crackers at dawn and dusk. I like Diwali because it’s a festival of joy, and my entire city seems to come alive with lights as Diwali draws close.