Festivals of India

Deepavali -- The Festival of Lights
Page Last Updated: November 16, 2024

Diwali or Deepavali, the festival of "rows of lights", is one of the most important of all Hindu festivals. It is believed that it was on this day that Lord Rama entered Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. Deepavali is also celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, the day when the demon of darkness and dirt, Narakasura, was destroyed by Lord Krishna. The celebrations commence with a purifying oil bath and the lighting of lamps, symbolic of the spiritual light pervading the earth and the destruction of darkness and ignorance.  

© K. L. Kamat

Fireworks During the Deepavali Festival
 

© K. L. Kamat

Deepavali Festival Decoration in Rangoli

© K. L. Kamat

A Rangoli Design for Deepavali 

© Vikas Kamat

Diwali Festival -  Legends, Articles & Pictures

• Catching of the Bull (Hori Habba)
• Diwali Festival Scene
• Diwali in South India
• The Festival of Diwali
• Fireworks during Deepavali Festival
• The Glow of Hope
• Golden Oil Lamps (diyas)
• Legends of Diwali
• Rangoli Design Spread for Diwali

See Also:

• Send a Diwali Greeting via email
• Rangoli - the painted prayers of India
• Hinduism Potpourri at Kamat's Potpourri
• Search for more Pictures of Diwali in Kamat PICTURESearch