Although this is kinda cliche and I try to avoid cliches, it is this Festival of Light that entrances me every year. While it is considered that crackers cause harm to the environment, no person can elude the snares of lighting atleast a few crackers. What is/was the original significance of Diwali, one might ask. While it is known that Lord Krishna conquered Narakasura on this day, prompting the villagers of those days to light up fireworks to acknowledge the triumph of the "Good" over "Evil", some people also deliberate that the then people of Ayodhya lit up candles all along the way of Lord Ram's return from exile as the rightful king, leading to the event being replicated nowadays. As of today, the entire concept of Diwali has become, rather messed up. Our ancestors didn't cause any harm to Mother Nature but today, most of our crackers are not at all eco-friendly. It is estimated that on the day of Diwali alone, the amount of sulfur dioxide (a compound present in most, if not, all crackers) in the air increases multifold. The people of yesteryears never used these kinda things. Instead, they paid their obeisance and reverence to the deities by just lighting up a large amount of oil lamps, as you might see in the picture. Ultimately, I know what one does is one's birthright, but I would like to strongly implore each and every person that might read this article to please curb the amount of fireworks used in their respective homes. As a member of the Interact Club (a division of Rotary Club), I have sworn to light lesser amount of crackers than in the past. I hope atleast some would follow this humble request. So, let us enjoy this Diwali with friends and family, make merry, jest , partake of sweets, adorn dresses to signify our culture and also strive to make it as eco-friendly as possible.    

Diwali: everyone knows its a festival of lights. To me, its much more than just a "festival of lights". I had always been, as I will, a Passionate lover of the festival, eventhough I am not a Hindu. You will see why. Well, read on... I am always fascinated by the fact that there are so much stories about and behind Diwali. Some say its celebrated because Lord Ram retuned from exile, some believe its observed as the festival celebrating the victory of Lord Shri Krishna for his victory over demons. Anyway, when something has more than one story, its obvious that it is of some value. When I was a child, my mother used to walk me down the streets for shopping during Diwali. I never failed to notice the excitement of the people for the oncoming festival. That excitement is contagious too. Shopkeepers were active throughout day and night, buy selling crackers and clothes and other goods. How beautiful the night looks, with crowded people waiting for the festival, children preparing themselves for Diwali by buying crackers and it is the time that you learn a lot of thngs. Its a festival of family gathering too. Even after having grown up, I still feel like the same little boy who is awaiting for the festival with awe. Let this Diwali bring everyone prosperity and peace. A hearty Diwali for everyone!    

Legends of Dussehra There are various legends associated with the festival of Dussehra. As we have seen in all of the festivals the roots of origin of the festivals can be traced in the Hindu mythology. According to legends Lord Rama, killed the great demon and king of Lanka, Ravana, who had abducted Ram’s wife Sita. Ram, along, with his brother Lakshman, follower Hanuman, and an army of monkeys fought a great battle for ten days to rescue his wife Sita. This victory of Rama is regarded as the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. That’s why to commemorate that victory of Lord Ram it is celebrated. According to another story, Kautsa, the young son of Devdatt, a Brahmin, was living in the city of Paithan. After studying under the guidance of Rishi Varatantu, he insisted on his guru accepting a present, or gurudakshina. Initially the guru refused but later asked for 140 million gold coins, one hundred million for each of the subjects taught. The obedient student went to the King Raghu to ask for the money, as the king was renowned for his generosity. Within three days the king made the God of Wealth Kuber make a rain of gold coins near the shanu and apati trees. After giving the promised amount to the guru, Kautsa distributed the rest of the coins among the needy on the day of Dussehra. Even today, in Ayodhya, the capital of King Raghu, people loot the leaves of the apati trees and present to each other. In Tamil Nadu, the first three days are dedicated to the worship of Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, the next three days to Saraswati, Goddess of Knowledge and the last three days to Shakti (Durga). In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, families decorate dolls (Bommai Kolu) and prepare an elaborate spread of lamps and flowers. Women traditionally exchange gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets. Vijayadasami is also considered an auspicious occasion for children to commence their education in classical dance and music, and to pay homage to their teachers. In Mysore the festival is celebrated by the famous gala procession of richly bedecked elephants on the brightly lit streets of the city on. In West Bengal Duga puja marks the celebration of Dussehra. It is the most important festival of the Begalis. It is celebrated for a period of five days across the state. Every festival in India is associated with certain rituals and customs. And these rituals are according to that particular region where the festival is originated. Starting from Mahasaptami, Mahaashtami, Mahanavami and Bijoyadashami. Which is the seventh, eighth, ninth and the tenth day of the festival. From the morning of Saptmi (the seventh day) the puja starts.The next day or Ashtami is considered to be the most important day, as it is believed that Goddess Durga killed demon Mahishasura. The ninth day of the festival, Mahanavami is characterized by the all-day ‘pujas’ and ‘shaloka-recitals’ and a ‘Maha Arti’ that is considered a formal end of religious customs. Since it is the last day before immersion of the idols so people are sad as it marks the end of the glorious festival. Cultural programmes such as music and dance fill the rest of the day. The tenth day, Dashami marks the end of the festival with grand processions taken out on streets full of colors and dance, where the Durga idols are taken for ‘visarjan’ (immersion in a pond, river or sea). According to rituals idols are immersed in Ganges. Since Ganges is regarded as a holy river. Dussehra is also associated with the harvest festival of the agrarian societies and is believed to be the beginning of New Year in some communities.