article regarding deepavali

am gonna print this thing (i think) and post in on the grade 9-10-only board. ha.
havent even done w geo and phy. lol. enjoy.

WHAT IS DEEPAVALI?

Deepavali is a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, and it is an official holiday in India. Deepavali is also called as Diwali.

It is celebrated in India and Nepal. While it is particularly sacred to Hindus, practitioners of other Indian religions also celebrate Diwali, and Jainist, Hindu, and Sikh communities all over the world commemorate Diwali with smaller festivals of their own. The timing of this holiday varies, since it is based on the Hindu lunar calendar, but it is generally celebrated in the fall. Diwali festivities in India involve everyone, not just the religious faithful, and the holiday is a major event in the Indian year.

The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. In Hindi, Diwali means “Festival of lights,” and people light rows of lights to commemorate heroic figures in
Indian mythology who triumphed over the forces of evil.

Diwali is also a propitious time for new endeavors, and many people clean their
homes and open all their windows and doors to welcome luck and good fortune
during Diwali. The exchange of gifts is also traditional during this holiday, and many
people host dinners and Diwali parties.

Regional traditions vary immensely when it comes to celebrating Diwali, because each community has developed its own unique way of celebrating this holiday. Technically, Diwali is actually five days long, with each day representing a different facet of the festival of lights. In many communities, people pick one day of Diwali in particular to celebrate, often with fireworks and other large public festivities.

Numerous myths and stories are associated with Diwali. Many of these myths center around the defeat of evil demons, or the exoneration and freedom of wrongfully oppressed people. Diwali celebrates religious elevation and enlightenment as well. Many Diwali festivals also honor specific Hindu gods like Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesha, the god of auspicious or new beginnings. In many regions of India, people also exchange traditional Diwali greetings when they encounter each other on the street; these greetings express a mutual desire for good luck and fortune in the coming year.

If you happen to be visiting India during Diwali, be prepared to be swept up in the activities. Many communities usually shut down shops for Diwali celebrations, and it's a great opportunity to learn about Indian history and culture first hand. Many people are happy to share their religious and cultural traditions with curious and respectful visitors. Diwali is also quite fun with fireworks, performances, dinners, and other events for celebrants. In other regions of the world, you can visit Indian communities to see Diwali on a smaller scale.