Deepawali is also known as “festival of lights”. The festival is celebrated by the Hindus annually at the end of a year.
Deepawali has an interesting mythological background. The festival marks the victory over demon king Ravana. Lord Ram symbolizes good while Ravana represents evil. Hence, Deepawali signifies well over evil and light over darkness.
Preparations for Deepawali start in full swing after Dussehra. Houses are decorated with fair lights, garlands and colourful arches. Shops selling things like Deepawali greeting cards, fire crackers and sweet meals are particularly popular. As the festive day approaches, crowd increases and the police have to be deployed to keep order.
On the day of Deepawali the Hindus dress themselves in new clothes. Women wear their finest silk sarees of various bright colours. The Hindus avoid wearing anything black on this day as they consider colour black inauspicious. After breakfast most people go to the temple to pray for happiness and prosperity.
Deepawali is the time when the Hindus welcome relatives and friends to their homes and exchange greetings.
Vocabulary
Demon—an evil spirit
Mythological—connected with ancient myths
Inauspicious—showing signs that the future will not be good or successful
