Deepavali

Deepavali is one of the most important and most celebrated festivals of India. Diwali or Deepavali festival is celebrated as the "Festival of Light' in India. To mark the Deepavali day we light up diyas all around our houses. This tradition symbolizes end of darkness of ignorance and beginning of knowledge that enlightens all. During the Deepavali day we exchange Deepavali Gifts like sweets and dry fruits will our dear ones. Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja takes place during evening after which fire crackers are burst.

In the South India, Deepavali festival often commemorates the conquering of the Asura Naraka, a powerful king, who imprisoned tens of thousands of inhabitants. It was Krishna who finally subdued Naraka and freed the prisoners. Deepavali Festival in the south is celebrated in the Tamil month of aipasi (thula month) 'naraka chaturdasi' thithi, preceding amavasai. The house is washed and decorated with kolam (rangoli) patterns with kavi (red oxide). In the pooja room, betel leaves, betel nuts, plaintain fruits, flowers, sandal paste, kumkum, gingelly oil, turmeric powder, scented powder are kept. Crackers and new dresses are placed in a plate after smearing a little kumkum or sandal paste.

Celebrations

The Diwali day begins with everyone in the family taking an oil bath before sunrise, a custom arising from a belief that having an oil bath in the morning on the day of diwali is equivalent to taking bath in the Ganges.Then, it's off for a bath, beginning with the youngest in the family. They emerge with new clothes and a look of anticipation at the thought of bursting crackers, which symbolizes the killing of the demon king Narakasur.

A puja is performed for the family deities in the morning. Breakfast consists of a sweet dish and, of course, idli or dosa .
In the morning the ladies in the house go to Shakthi temple to celebrate “nombau” which is worshiping God Kedaraeshwar, for the well being of the family, (Good relationship between Husband and Wife),

A sweet “Adarasoo” is prepared which is made of jaggery, this sweet is a must during deepavali.

During Thalai Deepavali, the newly weds go to the bride's parental home for revelry. Taking blessings from the elders, they burst the first crackers of the day. The Deepavali Celebrations include a visit to the temple, gifts of clothes and jewelry, gorging on sweets and receiving blessings of elders. The groom's parents, brothers and sisters come down to join in the celebrations.