Diwali
Diwali, which is also called Deepavali or Dipavali, is a Hindu festival. It is called the festival of lights. In this festival, people light up their houses and shops. During this festival, people worship Ganesha, the elephant-headed representation of God, and Lakshmi, goddess of light, wisdom and fortune.
Sikhs celebrate this festival because of the returning of their sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, from the Gwalior Fort, where he had been imprisoned along with 53 other Kings by Emperor Jahangir (reason: being a non-Muslim), and all of those 53 Kings had been freed along with the Guru on the Guru's demand.
This festival is celebrated by the Hindus in the Hindu month of Kartik which falls sometime during the months of October-November. It is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile and his victory over the dämon Ravana. In many parts of India Diwali is celebrated for five consecutive days and is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals in India. Diwali comes exactly twenty days after Dussehra. Hindus, and Sikhs alike regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships. For Hindus it is one of the most important festivals, and in some parts of India it marks the beginning of the new year. It is also a significant festival for the Sikh community. It is celebrated by letting of firecrackers by children to really light up the whole of India. It is celebrated not only in India but also abroad. The Hindus worship the god Ganesh during the Diwali. Hindus celebrate the festival by lighting up candles and letting fire crackers off.
Firecrackers, which used large bits of sulphur and paper, threw out sulphur dioxide and charcoal into the air. Considering all these facts, bursting of crackers is now prohibited in silent zones i.e. near hospitals, schools and courts.
In Gujarat it is celebrated for 30 days. Starting with the "wag baras" and ending with the "dev diwali".
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