Diwali
In Haryana Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It comes in the
middle of the month of Karthik. First comes the little Diwali on which
rice and sugar put in vessels, with a paisa placed on the top, are given
away to Brahmins and girls. The deceased ancestors are said to visit the
house of their families on that day, and it is in their name that the
ceremony is performed. Houses are whitewashed and cleaned. On the next
day, or Govardhan, Diwali lamps are lighted in the evening and sweets
distributed. On the following day all the sweepings are thrown out on
to the refused dumps outside the village. The old lamps are also thrown
their and new ones placed in the house. The rich and trading classes specially
consider Diwali as their own festival. On this occasion they perform
pujas which are considered auspicious for their profession.
Diwali is also celebrated by gambling in various ways
throughout the night accompanied by merry making. For children Diwali
provides an occasion for fire works. More
about Diwali
|