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Celebrated by most Indians and Hindus the world over, Deepavali means “row or garland of lights”. Locally, it has been called “The Festival of Lights” and it is symbolic of victory of good over evil. It highlights the victory of Lord Krishna, one of the deities of the Hindu pantheon, over the Demon King, Narakasura and usually falls around late October or early November on the new moon day.

Legend

Legend has it that Narakasura, the king of demons, had tortured the common folk. After many years of hardship, the people, unable to bear the suffering, appealed to Lord Krishna who then declared war against the demon king. As he lay dying, the demon king begged for mercy from Lord Krishna and he asked that the people rejoice and be merry at the anniversary of his death as a reminder that ultimately evil will never triumph. Little clay lamps were then lighted as a sign of gratitude to Lord Krishna.

Preparations

Preparations start weeks before with the spring cleaning of the home. New clothes are bought and women make cakes, sweetmeats and other tidbits. Hindus also believe that departed souls return during this time. So, favourite foods of the departed along with new clothes are placed on banana leaves before the photographs of the departed and prayers done.

On the day itself, most Hindus will have the traditional oil bath early in the morning whereby the body is rubbed and massaged from head to toe with gingelly oil that is extracted from fermented sesame seeds. When all the members have had their bath and changed into their new clothes, special prayers are held at the family altar. Decorative designs or rice flour paintings with intricate designs called kolams are usually done by womenfolk on the floor at the entrances of homes. Hindus also make it a point to visit temples early in the morning to receive the blessings of God. This is followed by either visiting friends or receiving them. At night, children play with sparklers and are allowed to light clay lamps and display them along the window ledges or doorways.