Do Enjoy the article entitled Diwali, The Festival of Lights

Diwali, also known as Deepavali is celebrated for five days according to the lunisolar Hindu Calendar. Each day of this festival marks one of the principal stories associated with it. Celebrated with great joy, rows of oil lamps are lit, candles adorn the thresholds of houses, and firecrackers are burst, as families and friends gather.

Children love the excitement. With the bursting of firecrackers, the evening sky can be an awesome sight. Special sweets are made too, some of which are not available at any other time of the year.

Although the story behind Diwali/Deepavali and its celebrations vary from region to region, the essence of the festival is the same -- to rejoice in the Inner Light.
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This year it's Wed Oct. 26th 2011

Lakshmi-pooja According to tradition people would put small oil lamps outside their homes on Diwali and hope Lakshmi will come to bless them.

It has been said the day of Lakshmi-pooja occurs on Amavasya no moon day. The dark night is illuminated by lamps and at dusk firecrackers are burst. In many households, cash, jewelry, and a likeness of the goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. Relatives , neighbors, and friends and are invited over.

The festival of Bhau-beej or Bhai Dooj is celebrated by Hindus on the on the last day of the five-day-long Diwali festival.

Bhaubeej � is the time when the bond between brothers and sisters is strengthened. Sisters ask the deity for long life and success for their brothers, while brothers present their beloved sisters with gifts.

Last edited by AprilAlisaMarquette; 10/12/11 01:56 PM.