Diwali is the festival of lights. It is celebrated in India every year in the month of October and November. The goddess of wealth, Lakshmi is worshipped along with God Ganesha and goddess Sraswati. It is believed that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and the people of Ayodhya celebrated the day by lighting the lamps of clay (Diyas). The festival is celebrated for five days and each day different rituals are performed.
The first day is Dhanteras and on this day people purchase gold, silver or any other auspicious metal and worship goddess for good wealth and prosperity.
On the second day houses and workplaces are cleaned and washed. The day is called as Roopchaudas and it is believed that women must wash their hairs and put kajal in their eyes.
The main day is the third day. On this day people worship Godess Lakshmi, Saraswati and Lord Ganesha and pray for wealth and prosperity. People decorated their house and workplaces with flowers and make rangoli. Various different sweets and dishes are made and distributed. The lamps of clay or Diyas are lit and children burn firecrackers and celebrate the festival.
The next day after diwali, Govardhan Puja is done. On this day Lord Krishna defeated Indra by lifting Govardhan parvat. This day is celebrated by preparing Annakut in which different grains are cooked.
The last day which is the fifth day, Bhaiya dooj is celebrated. On this day sisters put tilak on their brother’s forehead and pray for his good health. In return brothers give gifts and blessings to their sisters.
