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India is a land of festivals and the country celebrates the maximum number of religious festivals in the world. This is primarily because of the presence of different religions and communities in the country. Every festival celebrated in India has a specific significance and is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. India is pre-dominantly a Hindu country and a large number of Hindu festivals are celebrated across the nation. The largest Hindu festival is Diwali - the festival of lights. The Sparkle of Diwali Diwali festival, India is celebrated throughout the nation in different ways and patterns. However, there are certain rituals and traditions associated with Diwali that are commonly followed throughout the country. The festival is celebrated in the months of October or November and marks the defeat of evil Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival is celebrated for five consecutive days and also marks the end of Narkasura at the hands Lord Krishna. The festival is mainly celebrated to mark the end of the evil and disperse darkness and spread the light of peace, goodwill and knowledge. Diwali also consists of Lakshmi Puja, wherein Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of power, prosperity and wealth is worshipped. In most parts of the country, the five days of Diwali begin with Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanteras on the first day (auspicious for making purchases), Narkachaturdashi (when Lord Krishna killed the demon Narkasura), Lakshmi Puja, Varsha Pratipada or Padwa (beginning of a new year for the traders and businessmen) and Bhaiyyadooj (celebrates the brother-sister affection). Diwali festival, India is more than just a Hindu festival and has cut religious boundaries to be celebrated at a national level. For Diwali, people clean their homes and adorn them with bright and colorful lanterns of various shapes and sizes. The homes are also adorned with numerous oil lamps and other colorful electric lights, which illuminate the homes and make them, look very pretty. One of the major attractions of Diwali is the firecrackers and aerial fireworks, which are especially popular among children and youngsters. It is the time when families indulge in shopping for new clothes, appliances and other home décor. The magnitude of the festival has grown in size and the festival is now celebrated even in different countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and several other countries. Diwali Festival, India is the festival, which every Indian eagerly looks forward to every year.
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