Diwali, the festival of lights, is the biggest festival in India. Pomp and show; fun, food, and family, nothing goes missing in this.

1. Celebrating Diwali, the
Festival of Lights
By Moumita Basu
Twitter: @Moumita1

2. A Festival Rooted in Mythology
It celebrates return of the prodigal son, Rama, to rule his empire, with wife Sita,
and a monkey army commander, Hanuman.
It also celebrates a victorious welcome for the winner of a battle between two
forces of morality, and a triumph of good over evil,

3. Diwali is celebrated with tiny earthen lamps,
called Diyas

4. Made from mud, baked in fire, and painted with
love, diyas are environmentally friendly too.

5. And sometimes modern in design, reflecting
thoughts of a young India.

6. It is believed that light of the diyas dispel
darkness from life and bring happiness to
homes.

7. Diwali also means making a Rangoli, a colorful
artwork made of dry colours at the entrance of
the home, to welcome the guests.

8. Sometimes Diwali is incomplete without the
lanterns.

9. And the flowers.

10. And the candles.

11. How can a celebration be complete without a little
thanksgiving? It’s a day to pray by doing a Laxmi (Goddess
of Wealth) puja at home.

12. And complete the festivities with a lot of food.

13. And sweetness.

14. Spreading the sweetness can be done in other
ways too. Say no to polluting, toxic fumes of
crackers. Go green with fireworks.

15. Keep your pets and neighbourhood animals
safe from the noise and the flames.

16. Don’t buy firecrackers from factories using child
labour. Do your research before you buy.

17. Care to light up someone’s life this Diwali? May
be you can sponsor an Indian NGO?

18. Have a happy Diwali.