Diwali is also known as Deepawali, a major Indian festival. It is celebrated all across the globe as the "Festival of Lights." The festival, which usually comes in the month of October, has already started. The arrangements are underway and the spirits are high in every Hindu, Jain or Sikh. The victorious self is celebrated on the 10th night as Vijay Dashmi — also popularly known as Dussehra.

According to Hindu mythology, it is the day when Lord Rama defeated Ravana — the triumph of good over evil. Diyas, crackers and candles add colour to the Festival of Lights. Every house is lit up with illuminations and decorations, you won't find darkness in any part of India.

Rangoli (colours), sweets and delicious savories add flavour to this festival. The bliss and attraction is unmatched in celebration with any other festival in India. Markets are merrily decorated and lit up. Everybody is festooned with new and bright clothes — especially ladies adorned with the best knick-knacks — to capture the social mood at its gladdest. This is an occasion for young and old, men and women, rich and poor — for everyone to celebrate. It is the festival that unites all of India.

On Diwali, "Goddess Laxmi," a symbol of prosperity, and "Lord Ganesha," widely revered as the remover of Obstacles, are worshipped. The lights are the way to signify the welcoming of prosperity Goddess Laxmi. I still remember how I used to make small coloured footprints of Goddess Laxmi, asking her to visit our house to bless us with riches.

Crackers are the happiness of every child. The noise of crackers doesn't disturb anyone, but increases the enthusiasm to scare away evil spirits. The anticipation of buying new clothes and bursting crackers never dies in any person.

Diwali falls on the day of "Amavasya" when the moon does not rise and darkness is all over. Light, being the hope of every individual, gives the positive energy to celebrate the victory of Lord Rama. The people of all age groups celebrate the festival with equal passion. Diwali brings five ceremonious occasions. Starting from "Dhanteras" to "Narak Chaturdashi," which is popular as "Chhoti Diwali" (Small Diwali). Narak Chaturdashi is the day allotted to the worship of Maha-Kali, and it is believed that on this day, Kali killed the wickedest. The third day of "Badi Diwali" (Big Diwali) is the main day of celebrations. The fourth day is "Govardhan Puja" and then comes the "Bhai Dooj," the time to honour the brother-sister relationship.

The festival which has been celebrated since ages brings smile to every Indian face. It is a fun event for most of us. The one time I miss India the most is the festival season, but I am happy that our college organized a Diwali special event on October 28 for people like us and I am waiting for the mostawaited festival, Diwali.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.