Diwali Lights

Diwali is a Five day festivals. When all that shines is gold and there is light and cheer, you know it's Diwali. In the south India, much tradition is attached to the festival, and some customs have been followed for ages.

Monday is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi by many. Traditional households have a very early day. A pre-dawn oil bath precedes donning of new clothes and several prayers. After a day of feasting, children light firecrackers.
The next day is Lakshmi puja, a day of more festivities, prayers and rituals. And more crackers too. Traditional sweets and dishes like pongal, chakkli, kodubale, payasa are made.

Wednesday is Balipadyami, the day when King Bali visits the Earth again. He is welcomed by lights and festivities and of course, crackers!

The mood has set in with communities from the North India gearing up for Dhanteras and Choti Diwali. Rajasthanis and Gujarati residents in the city celebrate Dhanteras by worshipping Lakshmi and Ganesh, gods of wealth. They buy gold and silver lamps and other utensils.