Deepawali n Kali Puja

Deepawali or Diwali is one of the foremost festivals which is celebrated with much fervor and flare in India. It is celebrated over 5 days and is celebrated by lighting diyas (earthen lamps) , bursting crackers , distributing sweets, decorating houses with lights and lanterns ,by praying to God/Goddess, wearing new clothes and more so ever by spending time and sharing happiness with ones family and loved ones.

This occasion is marked as the victory of good over evil. 

Different religions worship different Gods on Diwali but I will mainly talk of the Gods my religion and people worship. 

We Hindus worship Lord Ganesh, god of success, and Goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity.

As per Hindu Mythology on this day Lord Rama returned to his kingdom Ayodhya along with his wife Goddess Sita and brother Lakshman, after completing 14 years of exile, so his return is celebrated by lighting lamps, bursting crackers and distributing sweets.

As it is called the festival of lights (Deep meaning lamps and along with awali means rows of lamps) so it is mainly a festival celebrated at night but the excitement and the involvement can be seen throughout the day. On this day people not only distribute sweets and gifts to their loved ones but also buy decorative items, new stuffs and clothes for themselves, so weeks before the actual day, markets can be seen bursting with people.

Since I am a Bengali so we mainly celebrate Kali Puja on this day. Goddess Kali is the goddess    of power and on this day we pray to her throughout the night. 

In ancient times and also still now at some places on this day, people sacrifice animals to Goddess Kali.

Generally we fast(don't eat or drink anything ) throughout the day and after praying to her whole night we break our fast. 

As I myself never fast because the moment I break it I generally overeat :) but this time I am planning to observe it. I know it will be tough especially with so many sweets lying around but nevertheless it will be fun.

So wishing you all A Very Happy Deepawali. May God Bless You All and shower you with all the prosperity and blessing you desire and deserve :)