Diwali is celebrated in various ways in Rajasthan. The festival commences with Dhanteras. It is widely believed that buying any kind of metal on this day will bring luck. People generally buy gold ornaments on this day. Then comes the Lakshmi Puja. The goddess is the symbol of wealth and prosperity. Since Rajasthan has a big community of traders Lakshmi pooja is widely celebrated here. At some places goddess Kali is also worshipped it is aid that the goddess of Shakti is at her most powerful on this day. Hence the Puja is carried out to appease her.
The origin of the festival is also rooted in Ramayana, Hindu epic. After 14 years of exile Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya, his kingdom. To celebrate his return his subjects lit up the entire city with candles and diyas. Fireworks welcomed the lord as he entered his kingdom. From that day onwards each year Diwali is celebrated to return of the lord. It also signifies the victory of good over evil. Rama returned to Ayodhya by killing Ravana, supposed to be the demon king. Even today candles and diyas are used to illuminate the houses in Rajasthan.
After the Lakshmi Puja is over people light fireworks. People of all age participate in this festival. Festivals like Diwali bring in a sense of optimism and spreads happiness all around. From buying new dresses to preparing different kinds of sweets-all these preparations are part of Diwali celebration in Rajasthan. Relatives also pay visit to each other`s place. In certain places friends gather and celebrate Diwali with a lot of zest. This is one of the important festivals in Rajasthan. Diwali is the festival of light and it is celebrated throughout the country with enthusiasm.
