Essay on how did i spend my diwali vacation
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Diwali (Deepavali or Deepawali or Dipawali) is one of the India's biggest festivals. The word 'Diwali' means rows of lighted lamps. It is a festival of lights and Hindus celebrate it with joy. During this festival, people light up their houses and shops. They worship the Lord Ganesha for good welfare and prosperity and Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and wisdom.
Diwali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and a school holiday in many states of the United States with a large Hindu population.
This festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartika which falls sometime during October or November. It is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of Exile and his victory over the Demon Ravana. In many parts of India, Diwali is celebrated for five consecutive days and is one of the most popular festivals in India. Hindus regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and relationships. In some parts of India, it marks the beginning of the new year. It is celebrated not only in India but also abroad. The Hindus worship the Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali.
Mandir (Temple) decorated with lights during DiwaliDespite being fun to use, firecrackers, which use sulphur and paper, pollute the environment. Crackers are now forbidden in silent zones, such as near hospitals, schools and courts.
Hindus light up their homes and shops, to welcome the goddess Lakshmi, to give them good luck for the year ahead. A few days before Ravtegh, which is the day before Diwali, houses, buildings, shops and temples are thoroughly cleaned, whitewashed and decorated with pictures, toys and flowers. On the day of Diwali, people put on their best clothes and exchange greetings, gifts and sweets with their friends and family.
At night, buildings are illuminated with earthen lamps, candle-sticks and electric bulbs. Sweets and toy shops are decorated to attract the passers-by. The bazaars and-streets are overcrowded. People buy sweets for their own families and also send them as presents to their friends and relatives. At night, the goddess Lakshmi, is worshiped in the form of earthen images and silver rupee. Hindus believe that on this day, Lakshmi enters only the houses which are neat and tidy. People offer prayers for their own health, wealth and prosperity. They leave the light on in buildings believing that Lakshmi will find no difficulty in finding her way in.
How I Spent Diwali
This year also Diwali brought along the usual fun, cheer and exhilaration. The entire country was swept over by a wave of celebrations. However, owing to the increasing awareness about environmental preservation this year the Green and Clean Diwali campaign is in full swing; so, people decided to celebrate Diwali without causing pollution.
I also decided to celebrate Diwali in eco-friendly manner. I decided that I would not let off any crackers. I also appealed to my brothers, sisters, cousins and friends not to explode any crackers. So I took immense pleasure in doing the decorations. I went to the market to buy electric lights; I myself decorated my home.
Then I went to the best sweet-shop two days before the festival to buy fresh sweets. I also bought dry-fruits. I went to my friends and relatives’ places to give them Diwali greetings and gifts. Many friends and relatives visited my home too to give us the festival greetings and gifts.
On the eve of Diwali, I participated in the traditional pooja of the goddess Laxmi. It was a wonderful Diwali.