Diwali in Aamchi Mumbai!

Mumbai Marine Drive

                  Diwali or Deepawali  or 'Festival of Lights' is certainly the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. It usually takes place eighteen days after Dusshera. It's the festival of lights (deep = light and avali = a row i.e., a row of lights) that's marked by four days of celebration, which literally illumines the country with its brilliance, and dazzles all with its joy. Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali is separated by a different tradition, but what remains true and constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment and goodness.

Four Days of Diwali

Each day of Diwali has its own tale , significance. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the second day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the tyrant Bali, and banished him to hell. Bali was allowed to return to earth once a year, to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance, and spread the radiance of love and wisdom. It is on the third day of Deepawali — Kartika Shudda Padyami that Bali steps out of hell and rules the earth according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu. The fourth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj) and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

The Significance of Lights & Firecrackers

All the simple rituals of Diwali have a significance and a story to tell. The illumination of homes with lights and the skies with fireworks is an expression of obeisance to the heavens for the attainment of wealth, health, peace , knowledge and prosperity. According to one belief, the sound of fire-crackers are an indication of the joy of the people living on earth, making the gods aware of their plentiful state. Still another possible reason has a more scientific basis: the fumes produced by the crackers kill a lot of insects and mosquitoes, found in plenty after the rains.

Mumbai Online!

         Diwali is biggest festival in Mumbai. Mumbaikars are very enthusiastic about diwali shopping of new clothes , Gold , Firecrackers , Lanterns , Sweets and home decorations. The skies of Mumbai were illuminated with spectacular fireworks as Mumbaikars celebrated Diwali.