India is known for its festivals. The sheer colour, atmosphere and the delicacies are all to die for. But nothing can match the festivities of Diwali. Being a South Indian brought up in North India, I have seen both the sides of this wonderful festival. The festival is celebrated on different days because they have different stories in north and south.
In south India, Diwali is celebrated on Naraka Chaturdashi, the day Lord Krishna slayed Narakasur. Legend has it that Narakasur was a demon who wanted to control the three worlds, underworld, earth and heaven. Drunk with power, he waged a war against all the three world. Where there is no hope, Lord Vishnu gives the beacon of light. He incarnated himself as Krishna and slayed Narakasur. Before dying, Narakasur's wish was that everyone in the world should celebrate his death. And so, most (maybe not all) south Indians celebrate Diwali on Naraka Chaturdashi.
North India has a slightly varied tale behind the festival. Here, Diwali is celebrated as a welcoming ceremony. Lord Ram, another incarnation of Lord Vishnu, comes back to Ayodhya after a fourteen year long exile. During this, his wife, Sita is kidnapped by the evil Ravan. Ram, his brother Lakshman and his mighty army of monkeys defeat Ravan and bring Sita back home. Everyone welcomes the heroes with lit diyas and crackers. Sweet and savory delicacies are made and everyone has a marvelous time.
Diwali is one of the few festivals celebrated not only by Hindus but by people of all religions. Around the country, the night sky is lit by thousands of diyas and crackers. It is definitely a sight for sore eyes. But with the increased problem of global warming, crackers are just one more step towards it. Things this year are slightly different. Over the past few days, lesser and lesser crackers have been bursted in my locality. Classmates and teachers have also pledged to celebrate a green Diwali. Although Diwali is not Diwali until we light a few crackers, I think we can let go this much for the environment. All in all, it's a festival which brings families and friends together. So here's wishing all of you a very happy Diwali!
North India has a slightly varied tale behind the festival. Here, Diwali is celebrated as a welcoming ceremony. Lord Ram, another incarnation of Lord Vishnu, comes back to Ayodhya after a fourteen year long exile. During this, his wife, Sita is kidnapped by the evil Ravan. Ram, his brother Lakshman and his mighty army of monkeys defeat Ravan and bring Sita back home. Everyone welcomes the heroes with lit diyas and crackers. Sweet and savory delicacies are made and everyone has a marvelous time.
Diwali is one of the few festivals celebrated not only by Hindus but by people of all religions. Around the country, the night sky is lit by thousands of diyas and crackers. It is definitely a sight for sore eyes. But with the increased problem of global warming, crackers are just one more step towards it. Things this year are slightly different. Over the past few days, lesser and lesser crackers have been bursted in my locality. Classmates and teachers have also pledged to celebrate a green Diwali. Although Diwali is not Diwali until we light a few crackers, I think we can let go this much for the environment. All in all, it's a festival which brings families and friends together. So here's wishing all of you a very happy Diwali!
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