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Discovering Diwali
An Indian Festival of Lights
By Crystal Patriarche
Similar to Christmas, it is also considered a time to get new clothes and exchange gifts and sweets with friends and neighbors. This festival is celebrated over a period of five days, with dancing, the many lights and fireworks. "Some homes have 50 to 100 lights," says Amin.
core of it is a story of good vs. evil. According to the legend, Diwali is celebrated to honor the return of Rama (a prince who was in line to be king), his wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakshmana, after a 14-year exile in the forest. During Rama's exile, the evil king Ravana of Lanka lured him away from his hut and then kidnapped Sita while he was away. After many years and the help of an army, Rama defeated the evil king Ravana of Lanka and rescued Sita. After he rescued her, his exile was up, and he was able to return home.
Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil. To celebrate the return of the victorious Rama, the whole city of Ayodhya is believed to have lit up their houses with lamps in an expression of joy.
The celebration also means different things to people across India, according to Vinay Lal, associate professor of history at UCLA. In north India, Diwali celebrates Rama's homecoming, his return home after defeating Ravana and his coronation as king; in Gujarat, the festival honors the goddess of wealth; and in Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali. Throughout India, it symbolizes the renewal of life, so people wear new clothes on the day of the festival, and it also signifies the onset of winter and the beginning of the new year.
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Re: Discovering Diwali by anonymous on 10/04/2009 03:52PM
thank you just what I needed to know. Happy Diwali!