Many festivals are celebrated throughout the year in India, where people of all religions celebrate their various festivals according to their culture and tradition. However, none of the festivals come close to Diwali. It is probably the biggest and brightest festival in the world.

On Diwali people light millions of diyas. These beautiful diyas hold a deep significance and are symbolic of our journey to enlightment. Diyas are lit in every corner of the house to weaken the evil forces. So, a Diya doesn’t merely represent a decorative item but reminds one and all to give up their materialistic desires.

Colours also play a big role in this festival. As such, a rangoli design is created at the entrance of the house, not only to welcome the guests that visit, but also the goddess herself. Rangoli design is also done for luck and blessings. You can make a rangoli with a small design or a huge one of your own choice. The festival of lights is incomplete without a rangoli. So, enjoy togetherness and tradition with a rangoli this Diwali.

The lantern also known as a kandil is hung around a month from the 1st day of Diwali. Traditional kandils are made of paper glued to a wooden frame, as opposed to the new ones made only of paper or plastic. Hindus in earlier days set kandeels afloat high, a gesture to invite the spirits of their ancestors moving around to come back home and be with them during the festival time.

Every celebration needs a touch of sweetness and Diwali can’t be completed without sweets! Indian sweets come in a variety of colours and flavours. Sweets are a small gesture of greeting people, family, and friends with the joy of celebrating the festival.

Diwali is a festival where people keep all hard feelings aside and enjoy this day to the fullest. This festival enriches friendship and feeling of brotherhood. Diwali not only brings people together but provides the purpose, meaning and hope through the use of rituals and celebrations. hbh

Rachana Jessintha George, VII-D, Carmel School Kuwait