Festivals and Celebrations questions and answers

This festival of lights is a storehouse of lovely memories for every Indian..On every Diwali, i get reminded of those lovely childhood Diwali's, school vacation, great food, sweets, and my siblings very happily celebrating with me..

On this wonderful occasion, I remember the last Diwali, which was perhaps the last good time in life for me and my family..my life changed horribly in this exact 1 year, has been full of disasters..!..but again, perhaps i was so occupied with my job for the last few years that i had forgotten the value of these special occasions, only to learn now that life if precious and v must cherish each wonderful moment with all our loved ones..

This Diwali is special to me..as now i hav learnt the value of life..I have already started making candles and new decoration pieces for home..I will be making some sweets too myself..what all i will make myself and u all can try these simple things:

1. Candles (decorative and usable, both types). 2. Simple sweets like coconut barfi and besan ke laddoo. 3. Clay decoration items..a very enjoyable craft..i dont think its a child's play : P 4. Traditional wall hangings using patch work. 5. Design new dress for myself..(u can use ur tailor too).

I havent been able to meet some of my close friends for years, just bcoz i always had just "no time"..this time, I plan to meet all my friends and wish them a happy year ahead..I would convey to them the lessons i have learnt from life in this past year..I will thank those friends who have always been very supportive, and forgive those who had ever hurt my feelings..in short, this Diwali should mark a new beginning for relationships for me..

I dont know what the next Diwali has in store for me, where the disasters in my life will lead me to..so I will try to make this Diwali as special as i can, for my whole family..

Would again remind all my Ammas friends too, Diwali is a time to remember all those who ever loved u...dont waste this time sitting in ur offices (like i did for years) or in ur rooms, move out and add lovely memories of this occasion for ur future..for all ur future Diwali's to come FOR TIME NEVER COMES BACK : )

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My mother made some of the best sweets I've ever had. I am in US this Diwali with my husband of one year and missing all the family fun. But for me it is going to be the most important Diwali as it is the first after my marriage with my husband. Although here in US we are going to miss all the fun of crackers but I am planning on an elaborate pooja and prasad at our residence all done by me. It is going to be very special for me because far away from home and our own unique culture here in US I will try to keep our festive spirit alive and preserve the cultural value of our festivals.

One thing that pains me is that today the terror and law situation in India is so bad that people are scared to go to temples for festive celebrations. When we here of the stampedes and the attacks, we feel as if it is best not to venture out. I wish this Diwali would strengthen the bond of brotherhood amongst our people and remind everyone that we are a united nation with a great culture and tolerance towards all. I wish everyone a very happy Diwali and hope that it will bring only goodness in everyone's life. Thanks to Ammas.com which gave us this platform to express our feelings.

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I am very happy for your query as something related to our festival. One of my favorite festivals is "DIWALI". Its is the time to remember that "Good won over evil deeds". First of all saying something about how i will celebrate Diwali, I want to tell you about the importance of Diwali.

"Good qualities as such are very difficult to adhere to in modern life. We may face many difficulties abiding by it. Yet, instilling truth and righteousness, makes us bold, strong and courageous to face any obstacles in life.”

I think that it would be a full pledged worship if we have good mental intensions. Now a days many are celebrating festivals for name sake.

This year I am planning to celebrate Diwali with my new and best friends....Anglo-Indians.

And I have celebrate the festival with them exactly how I wanted to. First we started with full body massage with til oil and had a sun-bath.

They were asking me several questions about Diwali. So, I decided to explain the whole story of Diwali to them. I explained them as below....

DIWALI : Deepavali (Diwali or Divali) is the most important and colourful festival of Hindus and the people from all age groups participate. They give ex-pression to their happiness by lighting earthen 'diyas' (lamps), decorating the houses, bursting fire crackers and inviting friends and relatives to their house for a sumptuous feast. The lighting of lamps is a way to pay respect to the God for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge and mental peace.

Diwali pooja is the most important part of the festival. It is the festival of Laxmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi visits everyhouse during Diwali and brings peace and prosperity to all. On the night of Diwali "Lakshmi-Pujan" is performed in the evenings. A traditional Puja is performed after sunset in all the homes.

Five pieces of ghee diyas (lamps) are lit in front of the deities, naivedya of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess and devotional songs are sung in praise of Goddess Laxmi.

After Diwali Puja people light diyas (lamps) in their homes to usher in light and clear the darkness from the world.

There are a number of legends connected with the origin of Diwali. But Diwali is widely celebrated as the day that Lord Rama returned triumphant to Ayodya after defeating Ravana.This aspect of Diwali is the most common and... See more » There are a number of legends connected with the origin of Diwali. But Diwali is widely celebrated as the day that Lord Rama returned triumphant to Ayodya after defeating Ravana.This aspect of Diwali is the most common and acceptable account with regards to the other origins of Diwali. Main Legend: In the north, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and the surrounding areas, Diwali is the day when King Rama's coronation was celebrated in Ayodhya after his epic war with Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.

On this day Mother Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk called the Ksheer Sagar. She brought with Her wealth and prosperity for mankind. On that day, Lakshmi Pooja was performed to honour Her and as such, every year on Diwali day, Hindus perform Her prayer and worship.The making and distribution of various sweets and total vegetarian foods are the order of the day.This practice is alive and well to this very day. Many people believe that Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good fortune, visit the homes of devotees on this day. Worship of Lakshmi is performed in the evening.

WE MADE DIYAS WITH MUD AND LIGHTED THEM IN THE EVENING AFTER THEY GOT DRIED UP...WE GAVE CRACKERS AS GIFTS TO ORPHANAGE HOME NEAR TO OUR HOUSE AND ALSO BURNT CRACKERS WITH THEM.

Coming to my memorable Diwali...It happened last year...

I got a cute puppy which turned out as my lucky one from the last DIWALI.

I got it by the end of the day when i was about go to bed after bursting out all my crackers with friends.

It was a memorable day as we five of our friends cracked so many jokes while burning crackers and enjoyed all three nights.. At Last i found my luck cutie in the bush in my garden.

Last year we ate too many sweets and all of us got attacked to cough. So, we decided to eat little amount of sweets this time.

So, My most memorable would be this year's celebration. Because me and my friends spent Diwali hilariously. This year we had a great party on the evening of Diwali night. As spent most of the time in orphanage home. It was really loving thing about them they all are so innocent do not know about the world around them...We thought to take them on a tour for a couple of days. So, we are going to take permission from orphanage head...

Hope it would work out well....

Bye

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On Diwali, me and my siblings started the day with wearing new clothes. We used to make candles ourselves as it was a very fascinating activity. Then we used to light these in the evening.

My mother made snacks at home and there were lots of aunts around to help her. We had our share of the snacks for an excuse of tasting them. Vising the homes of family friends was fun and decoratinmg our house was another creative activity. It was a wonderful family celebration where we learnt to slowly come out of our fears as we grew old and started bursting fire crackers.

Burning old papers and house hold activity was another adventure....the fire so lit used to act as campfire and we would sing and dance around it....

We celebrated,,,....and never knew what made us so happy...just as if God was giving his blessings with both the hands to help us have a wonderful childhood and make us prepared to face life with full courage....

Diwali is still as dear, just have situations have changed....siblings are far away and busy,,,...but we still make sure we spend some time remembering those wonderful moments which add lights to our darkened lives......

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Then comes the most special night of the week long festival - Diwali night although considered the darkest night of the year is made beautiful with everyone lighting lamps and candles and bursting fire crackers. It looks as if beautiful stars are shining all over the sky and and the Gods, through them are showering all their blessings on us which give us health, wealth, prosperity, love and harmony throughout the coming new year....

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We would get identical dresses stitched/bought ( new frocks), get up for an early oil bath which was mandatory, burst crackers early in the morning and wake up the neighbourhood, who would have warned us when a day before about bursting early morning crackers off.... and disturbing their sleep...:)

After being given all the bakshanam ( sweets and snacks), with a heavy dose of marundu ( a nasty tasting medicine like thing so that stomach is protected after eating so many sweets), we would distribute the sweets that my grandmom had made/ordered from a cook, amongst friends and neighbours and also take some to visit our cousins. We would visit friends. Then as we were South Indians living in Delhi and the Diwali in Delhi is celebrated a day later,we would save up the bursting of crackers for the next day along with the other North Indians (as they would celebrate it on Amavasya and we would finish ours by Chaturdashi). We would also light up candles....The main attraction was the new clothes, food, visiting relatives, friends and of course bursting crackers.

Last year we visited dear ones and finished celebrating our Diwali on Chaturdashi in Delhi. But on Amavasya we were trekking up to Vaisno Devi, and the aarti there is beautiful , it is for 2 hrs on the Diwali evening compared to 1 hr other days. We were overwhelmed.....

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I love lighting diyas in my home. On that day, I make a rangoli on my doorstep and place the diyas on it. I also light diyas in the balcony. Sweets are of course a hot favourite, and Diwali sweets are definitely special. The best part is eating the "legium" - a digestive which is eaten early in the morning just before having sweets. I've always spent Diwali with my parents. We visit relatives on that day, but that's just about it. In the evening, I like watching the kids bursting crackers (with both my fingers glued to my ears!!).

Since childhood, I've always been travelling to different places. I have experienced different cultures and the way they celebrate their festivals. One thing I've realised, Diwali is the only festival where people celebrate it just the way we all do, irrespective of religion, caste and creed!

There is no fond memory of Diwali as such, since every year it is the same. But, there were 2 years of my life, when I was forced to sit and study, since the CA exams begin on November 1st! We are the only unfortunate souls who sacrifice all the joy of the festival to sit with our books!

This year, it is going to be the same. My exams are coming up, and I am, of course, glued to my books! So it is going to be a quiet Diwali for me!

So here's Wishing all the Ammas Team and Members a Very Happy Diwali and A Prosperous New Year ahead! Enjoy the festive season ahead!

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People wait for this festival whole year around. This marks the season of renovations at homes and offices and lots and lots of shoppings. Mostly people white-wash their house during this period, buy new draperies and curtains and do everything that would make their homes look so beautiful. There is shoppings for new house decorating items. People buy new items since it is considered very auspicious. And u could see markets flooded with new schemes and offers and bumper sales and diwali mela offers. This prompts people to buy more and more for them and they end up with very less in their pockets. That's one of the major reason why it is said that Diwali comes with "Diwala". But even after excessive spending everybody looks happy.

I still remember when i was a child we use to celebrate the festival with our friends and neighbours and relatives. After taking bath in the morning we would wear new clothes. It felt so special. We would show our dresses to our friends who would also come in new dresses. Then, i would visit my uncle's house with my family to greet them and offer them sweets and some crackers for the children. Then we would come back and start preparing some delicacies and dishes for the evening. Meanwhile we children would make small temples in our corridors or varendah with some bricks and place photos of all gods inside it. Then lit Diya . Meanwhile mother would call and say that everybody should perform laxmi puja, as prashad and everything is ready. After puja i distribute prashad in the neighbourhood. That would take a lot of time. Everybody used to offer so much sweets to eat that i would grow sick and ask them to give me something salty...After returning home we used to burn crackers together. But we wouldnt burn the whole of them, but save a few for the next few days and one very very powerful bomb for the same night at around 12 o clock when it feels that everbody has ran out of their stocks of bombs. That made us children feel so much fun at that time...i still cherish those lovely diwali day..

This year, my 2 yrs old daughter made diwali special for me. She is very scared of crackers and all. my husband does not like to burn crackers. I asked him to bring some to show to our daughter. When we went to the terrace to burn crackes she was so scared seeing crackers burning all around. After burning crackers when we went downstairs she told in the neighbourhood very gladly that she is not scared of crackers and that she had burned a few crackers on the terrace. That really made us smile...

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But this year, Diwali definitely made a difference for all of us. The day before Diwali, we went to the home, where we have our adopted son, and introduced him to my parents. The kids there were very happy to see all of us, and they wanted us to spend some time with them. But as there were large number of visitors, we were not able to spend lots of time with those lovely kids. We played games with them. And donated for that day's lunch. My parents too donated for the lunch for the Diwali day. This Diwali is definitely special for us as we were able to celebrate it with our adopted son and his friends.

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The planning starts at least 2 weeks early. Everyone will provide details about a particular cracker say for example Parachute, rocket etc., there was even a kind of green flower pots, which when lit will start making the entire place look green in color. The parachute will fly to the sky giving different color sparkles and then the parachute returns to the ground. It was a fancy item and caught our fancy. There was the onion cracker (vengaya vedi called locally) which when thrown towards the compound wall will explode. The serpent eggs, sparklers, chakkars and the flower pots were kept for diwali night after all the bombs get emptied. Daily we will go to the nearby cracker shop. Even if it were a small purchase of a single cracker we will go, see all the crackers available there, enquire about any new cracker available etc and then return. Such was our curiosity towards crackers.

Diwali is incomplete without sweets viz badusha, gulab jamun or mundiri kathili. Eating sweets in between bursting crackers is what we did. Every time we burst a cracker we would take a piece of sweet. The first cracker in the diwali day would be an Atom Bomb and that would be early in the morning. The bursting of crackers will continue till the “Oliyum oliyum” kind of program that starts. It would be telecast at around 9 or 10 am. At that time people will be glued to their television sets to watch new songs. Immediately after the finish of the program again bursting of crackers would begin. Some kids would get tired by now that they will continue to watch TV eating the special food prepared on diwali day. We used to burst crackers all day long with no break. There are always bijili crackers to fill the time gap. For a small amount you could get a pack of 100 bijilis. We used to throw it from our hands (not recommended if you are a novice). Rocket Bomb, Lakshmi, Nethaji, Double sound, Indian King are some of the names of the crackers with noisy explosion. We used to wear new dresses on Diwali only after sandalwood paste and kumkumam is applied to them in the corners.

As the sun sets we would take out all those fancy firework items like flower pots, Vishnu chakkars, wire, pencil etc. The entire street would be filled with lights of the fireworks. Rockets will be flying like anything. At about 8 pm most of the crackers would be finished. If something remained it would be burst the next day.

Every year there would be rain during the diwali season. We always loved getting wet in the rains. Even now while I am writing this it’s heavily raining. What more do you need? Rain, sweets, new dresses, crackers, lots of television programs all made our diwali a happy occasion. When Diwali is over we would start dreaming or planning for the next diwali. Such was our enthusiasm towards diwali.

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1. Very religious people start any new business or important work specially at this time as the five days of Diwali (LABH PANCHAM) are considered very auspicious.

2. Children play with fire crackers and love the glitter of lights. They also have special feelings attached with Diwali as it is this time when they get many days vacation when they can enjoy to the fullest.

3. It marks the beginning of beautiful winters in India which are much awaited in major parts as major parts of India have warm climate.

4. Its shoppers time: With sale and discount schemes everywhere, shoppers never miss to have their piece of cake through this beautiful time. Also, among the traditional hindus, each day of Diwali has its own set of lovely things to be bought as a custom. On Dhanteras we buy utensils or home decoration, for Diwali we buy Diyas, electric lights, crackers etc.

5. The thought of Diwali is irresistibly mouth watering as it is accompanied by sweets. We eat and distribute sweets as a ritual of celebrating Diwali. In traditional Indian families, sweets are made in bulk at home by hiring professional "Halwai", these are distributed among friends and relatives as a gesture of affection and care.

Overall, Diwali has a very special meaning in every Indian's heart. Although we celebrate it in many different ways and have many different reasons to be fond of it, there is one thing in common for all those who celebrate Diwali--- The memories of it, we always cherish in our hearts. Even if we leave our country and settle in far off lands, we make sure we light a ceremonial lamp in our house to participate in this wonderful event.

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Most importantly, Diwali to me, symbolizes new be beginnings, hope, and blessings from LAKSHMI for the future.

While Deepavali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light".

Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, called the Atman. Just as we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Deepavali is the celebration of this Inner Light, in particular the knowing of which outshines all darkness (removes all obstacles and dispels all ignorance), awakening the individual to one's true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. With the realization of the Atman comes universal compassion, love, and the awareness of the oneness of all things (higher knowledge). This brings Ananda (Inner Joy or Peace).

Diwali celebrates this through festive fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship. While the story behind Deepavali varies from region to region, the essence is the same - to rejoice in the Inner Light (Atman) or the underlying reality of all things (Brahman).

Diwali celebrations are spread over six days in some of North India and Nepal. All the days except Diwali are named according to their designation in the Hindu calendar. Diwali being festival of lights, across India people celebrate it via symbolic diyas or kandils (colorful paper lanterns) as an integral part of Diwali decorations. Diwali being festival of lights, across India people celebrate it via symbolic diyas or kandils (colorful paper lanterns) as an integral part of Diwali decorations.

1. Vasu Baras (27 Ashvin or 12 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Baras means 12th day and vasu means cow. On this day cow and calf is worshipped. Since it is believed that cow is symbol of God, Diwali is begun by worshipping cow and calf. 2. Dhanatrayodashi or Dhan teras (28 Ashvin or 13 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Dhan means "wealth" and Trayodashi means "13th day". Thus, as the name implies, this day falls on the 13th day of the second half of the lunar month. It is an auspicious day for shopping of utensils and gold.This day is also regarded as the Jayanti of God Dhanvantri who came out during the churning of the great ocean by the gods and the demons. Dhanvantri Jayanti 3. Naraka Chaturdashi (29 Ashvin or 14 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Chaturdashi is the fourteenth day on which demon Narakasura was killed. It signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness (Gujarati: Kali Chaudas). In south India, this is the actual day of festivities. Hindus wake up way before dawn as early as 2:00 in the morning, have a fragrant oil bath and wear new clothes. They light small lamps all around the house and draw elaborate kolams /rangolis outside their homes. They perform a special puja with offerings to Lord Sri Krishna or Lord Sri Vishnu, as he liberated the world from the demon Narakasura on this day. It is believed that taking a bath before sunrise, when the stars are still visible in the sky is equivalent to taking a bath in the holy Ganges. Hence, when people greet each other in the morning, they ask "Have you performed your Ganga Snaanam?". After the puja, children burst firecrackers heralding the defeat of the demon. As this is a day of rejoicing, many will have very elaborate breakfasts and lunches and meet family and friends. In the evening, lamps are again lit and Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped and offered special dishes. This being a no moon day, many will offer special tarpana (offerings of water and sesame seeds) to their ancestors. This day is also called as Roop Chaturdashi 4. Lakshmi Puja (30 Ashvin or 15 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Lakshmi Puja marks the most important day of Diwali celebrations. Hindu homes worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesh, the God of auspicious beginnings, and then light lamps all across the streets and homes to welcome prosperity and wellbeing. 5. Govardhan Puja (1 Kartika or 1 Shukla Paksha Kartika) : Also called Annakut, is celebrated as the day Krishna defeated Indra. Lord Krishna taught people to worship nature, as mountains bring rains to earth. That was the reason to stop worshiping Indra. His was the message that we should take care of our nature. For Annakut a mountain of food is decorated symbolizing Govardhan mountain lifted by Lord Krishna. In Maharashtra it is celebrated as Padva or BaliPratipada. The day commemorates King Bali. Men present gifts to their wives on this day.In Gujarat, it is celebrated as New Year, as Vikram Samvat starts on this day. 6. Bhaiduj (also Bhayyaduj, Bhaubeej or Bhayitika) (2 Kartikaor 2 Shukla Paksha Kartika): on this day, brothers and sisters meet to express their love and affection for each other (Gujarati: Bhai Bij, Bengali: Bhai Phota). Most Indian festivals bring together families, Bhaiduj brings together married sisters and brothers, and is a significant festive day for them. This festival is ancient, and pre-dates 'Raksha Bandhan' another brother-sister festival celebrated in the present day.

As per spiritual references, on this day "Lakshmi-panchayatan" enters the Universe. Sri Vishnu, Sri Indra, Sri Kuber, Sri Gajendra and Sri Lakshmi are elements of this "panchayatan" (a group of five). The tasks of these elements are:

* Vishnu: Happiness (happiness and satisfaction) * Indra: Opulence (satisfaction due to wealth) * Kubera: Wealth (Generosity; one who gives away wealth) * Gajendra: Carries the wealth * Lakshmi: Divine Energy (Shakti) which provides energy to all the above activities

WISHING EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY DIWALI!

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Ya one of by past Diwali was memorable since we had a big get together party at home with friends singing and joking. One of the uncle who came to the party sat in the easy chair and sang a tamil song oru naal poothuma ... and while singing third line the easy chair broke and he fell and since I was a kid then I couldn't control the laugh.

I love Diwali evenings since I decorate the house with earthern lamps.

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Diwali indeed this year was very special to me coinciding with your question. I have two daughters now grown up and settled in US. It so happens that at a time, only one of them would be visiting us. This Diwali, both of them decided to drop in a week before and stay back for Diwali. My joy knew no bounds as it is almost six years since all of us are together for sucha a nice festival. I used to recall how these children used to look forward for the goodies i make and their choice of dresses and crackers. what joy it used to be. But, those moments justbrush aside as we have new addition, granddaughter in our family now. so when i got the news of them arriving for diwali, I first thought what to buy for my grandchild and what to make for her. Then i realised how time and thoughts have changed and thus priorities in life. Initially, it used to be only children and nothing else. now grandchildren. anyhow, Diwali was fun. cant have a better diwali in my life. Hope and pray God blesses us in keeping the family ties close.

Thanks for such a lovely topic

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One is that, on that day Lord Rama returned triumphant to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.

The second legend goes thus. Narakasura, a monster, ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram. He was a trouble-maker to the gods and the pious sages and would disturb their penance or create havoc during the rituals. To prove his power, Narakasura usurped some territory of Aditi, (the king of Suraloka and a relative of Satyabhama, Lord Krishna's wife). Vexed with this harassment, Indra and other gods approached Lord Krishna and pleaded with him to protect them from the demon Narakasura. Satyabhama appealed to Krishna to give her the golden chance to destroy Narakasura, as Narakasura was given a curse that he would be killed by a woman. Krishna granted her a boon to fight with Narakasura. With Krishna as the charioteer, Satyabhama entered the battle field and killed the demon, Narakasura. The killing of Narakasura was a victory of good over evil. It is interesting to note that Bhudevi, mother of the slain Narakasura, declared that his death should not be a day of mourning but an occasion to celebrate and rejoice. Since then, Deepavali is being observed by people every year with joyous celebrations and lot of fun and frolic, and fire works.

The third myth says that on this auspicious day, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good fortune visits the houses of people. In the evening Lakshmi Puja is performed with great devotion.

The making of various sweets is the order of the day. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed and lamps are lit, giving a magical and radiant touch. There is an atmosphere of joy and festivity.

Normally according to dharma shastram, one is not supposed to take an oil bath before sunrise on any day. But on Deepavali, there is an exemption. People get up early in the morning and have an oil bath in hot water specially before sunrise. This is equated to having a bath in the Ganges.

According to one theory Diwali may have originated as a harvest festival, marking the last harvest of the year before winter. The deity of wealth in Hinduism, goddess Lakshmi is therefore thanked on this day and everyone prays for a good year ahead. This is the common factor in Diwali celebrations all over the Indian subcontinent.

This is a festival that connects us to our mythology and history directly. I perceive it as a very important celebration especially in view of the current trend of western thought which questions all kinds of cultural events.

I have seen how in the last ten years things have changed so much in our country that festivals today mean only the give and take of gifts and commercial materialism. Youth today are unaware of the true stories,legends behind such celebrations. Festivals have only one meaning-shopping and crass materialism. This is not a very good indication of what our future generations are going to be like/. I miss the old days when Diwali meant an offering of devotion to the Lord and an acceptance of righteousness.

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Diwali is a festival of lights. The most special diwali in my life will be the one celebrated after crackers are banned and the children employed in cracker production are allowed to lead a safe life like children who are not into this.

Lighting lamps at home is the best way to celebrate diwali along with enjoyment of sweets and new clothes.

This diwali is special to me because this is the first diwali after the demise of my grandmother.

Fondest memories of past diwali are the ones when I celebrated with my grandmother. This diwali i recollect the moments i enjoyed with my grandmother. I hadnt recalled those moments when she was with us.

This diwali i learn a new lesson in life. I understand that we ignore everything around us and everyone around us when they are with us, but when they are not with us we recall. I learn I should enjoy every moment and respect every moment i spend with those around me for we dont know how long that boon will last.

Good Luck.

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Diwali or Deepavali means an array of lamps (Deep = Lamp, Vali =Array). This is one of the major festivals in the Hindu calendar.Diwali, the festival of the diya or lights, marks the victory of good over evil. The soft beam of a diya radiates hope in an often evil world.

For me, Deepavali is when all the family members meet and celebrate the festival together.All my father and mother siblings meet at our house on Deepavali day and have lunch together. Later, all the children burst crackers together. "For us, it is very important to take our elders' blessings. Deepavali is the only day the entire family eats together. It is a wonderful experience.

For me on Diwal "It is not the amount of money spent on clothes, crackers or sweets that matters.It is the amount of happiness what we share together. Tradition dictates that Diwali is celebrated by making sweets and savories at home.It is our tradition that we burst crackers early in the morning before and after we have our oil bath. So we buy crackers for that purpose only.

What I enjoy most about the festival is celebrating it with my uncles, aunts and cousins from my mother's and father's side."

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Normally diwali means crackers, sweets, new dress and going to temple for all of the hindus. for children too they enjoy with crakers, eats sweets and of course they enjoy the diwali holiday. But now a days many of the people are addicted by the TV programmes for the whole day of the celebrations.

According to me every year we will visit the Lord Venkatesa's temple in the diwali night and spend the whole day in the holy place tirupati. Getting the darshan of the lord is special to me. But the most important diwali is the diwali when i helped the old age people without celebrating diwali(without using crackers)

Really i like to spend a diwali with orphan children or old age people. that is my dream. I didnt get that chance. I think that will be my memorable diwali in my live.

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last year he is too small...and now he is 20 months old and am going to enjoy with him as am afraid of holding large crackers...so my son and am going to rock with so many small crackers with no sounds....(hehe we hate sound pollution)

i have so many memorable memonts on past diwali days ...

as i cant even forget celebrating with my dad,mom and my sis and bro.. we enjoyed like anything as the crackers didn't get complete even on nagulachavithi....

and last year my bro and babi came to my place...and alonhg with my mom and my hub,son and myself enjoyed and rocked on diwali day..

this is all my memorable moments...

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When I was child, we used to fire crackers and me and my cousines used to meet for diwali. So that was the fondest past memories abour Diwali.

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