The word "Diwali" is the corruption of the Sanskrit word "Deepavali" -
Deepa meaning light and Avali, meaning a row. It means a row of lights
and indeed illumination forms its main attraction. Every home - lowly
or mightly - the hut of the poor or the mansion of the rich - is alit
with the orange glow of twinkling diyas-small earthen lamps - to
welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Multi-coloured
Rangoli designs, floral decorations and fireworks lend picturesness
and grandeur to this festival which heralds joy, mirth and happiness
in the ensuring year.
This festival is celebrated on a grand scale in almost all the regions
of India and is looked upon mainly as the beginning of New Year. As
such the blessings of Lakshmi, the celestial consort of Lord Vishnu
are invoked with prayers. Even countries like Gkyena, Thailand,
Trinidad, Siam and Malaya celebrate this festival but in their own
ways
