Unveiling the Essence of Diwali: A Celebration of Lights
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains worldwide. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is characterized by rituals such as lighting diyas (earthen oil lamps), creating rangoli (decorative patterns), and worshipping the goddess Lakshmi. People clean their homes and purchase items like diyas and silver jewelry to welcome prosperity. In recent years, there has been a push for a "green Diwali" to minimize pollution, promoting the use of handmade diyas and avoiding firecrackers. Rangoli patterns hold different meanings, with motifs like lotus flowers and footprints invoking Lakshmi's blessings.