Happy Diwali

WISHING ALL OF YOU A HAPPY DIWALI 

The festival of Diwali is truly a "Festival of Lights " as is not only lighting of lamps, but it brings the light of happiness prosperity for every one. Diwali falls on a new moon day in the month of October or November. Diwali is one of the most important festival of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activites together in their homes. 

The festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian bussiness communities begin their financial year. The second day of the festival 'Naraka Chaturdasi' demon Naraka was killed by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. The third day of Diwali is the actual Diwali. This day when worship Matha Lakshmi is performed. Matha Lakshmi is called "Shri". The female of supreme being. "Goddess Lakshmi" means 'Good Luck'. The word Lakshmi is derived from the sanskrit word 'Lakshya' meaning aim or goal and she is the Goddess of the wealth and prosperity both meterial and spiritual.

It is a festival of lights symbolizing in the victory of righteousness and lifting of spiritual darkness. It is celebrated the victory of good over evil and the glory of light. This festival commemorates Lord Rama return of his kingdom Ayodhya after completing of his 14 years.  There are numerous customs and traditions associated  with diwali, burning of crockers lighting of lamps, wearing new clothes, distribution of sweets, exchange of gifts etc. With the sounds of crockers killing all bad omens, the lighted lamps ..lighting the lives of people. The prayers and pujas creating an atmosphere full of goodness and purity.

On Diwali night little clay lamps are lit in our houses, but nowadays colored electric lamps are also used, darkness represents the ignorance and light is a metaphor for knowledge.  Goddess Maha Lakshmi is the Goddess to be worshipped during the Diwali night and we offer traditional sweets for naivedya.