The Diwali

1. The Diwali or the festival of lights is an important festival of the Hindus. It is held on the fifteenth day of Kartik.

2. On this day people clean their houses. All men, both rich and poor, get their houses whitewashed. In the night people illuminate their houses with small earthen lamps. Rows of small earthen lamps present a very beautiful sight. In big towns people illuminate their houses with electric bulbs instead of earthen lamps. It is the belief of some people that on the night of the Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth, pays a visit to each house. She bestows her blessings on the houses which are neat and clean and turns her face against dirty houses. This is why everyday takes care to clean and decorate his house.

In the night people perform the Puja of the goddess and distribute sweets. In Bengal, Kali puja is performed on the night of the Diwali. Some people also indulge in gambling on this day. Boys purchase toys and feel very happy. They also make a display of fireworks.

3. There are many advantage of Diwali festival. On the occasion of this festival all the houses are repaired and cleaned at least once a year. The insects which gather round lights in the rainy season are destroyed and the light of Mustered oil makes the air pure. But there are disadvantage too. Many people lose much money in gambling and have to suffer in future. The fireworks also clause injuries to some people and houses too. It harms our environment.

An Indian Festival Durga Puja

1. The Durga Puja is an important festival of India. It takes place in the month of Ashwin from the first to tenth day of the bright fortnight. It is an occasion of great enthusiasm and festivity for the Hindus. On this occasion schools, colleges, and offices are closed for a long holiday. People return to their homes for celebrating the Puja.
2. The puja is celebrated for ten days, but the image is installed on the seventh day. During the last three days the Puja is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. The Images are of different designs and sizes. They are dressed in fine clothes and decked with beautiful ornaments. Goddess Durga has ten arms in which she holds weapons. During the puja the poor are fed, alms are distributed and Prasad is distributed to the people.
3. The vijaya Dashami is considered to be an auspicious day. On this day people visit their relatives. The people of the trading classes begin their new year from this day. At some places Ramlila is staged and Ravan is killed on the Dashami day.
4. There are various stories connected with the vijaya Dashami. It is said that Ram killed Ravan on this day and performed the Puja of Goddess Durga. Since then it has been celebrated every year on this day. Another story is that one King Suratha performed the Puja on this day. The third is that Goddess Durga killed Mahishasur, a demon, on this day.
5. At some places the Durga Pja is performed twice in a year, in Ashwin and in Chait. The puja of Ashwin is known as Shardiya Puja and that of chait as Basanti Puja. But the Basanti Puja is not very common. In the Puja sacrifice of goats, rams, etc…, is made and those who eat meat take these as Prasad of goddess Durga. The Puja is happy time for all. People put on new clothes. The Joys of children know no bounds. The grown-up people also enjoy it merrily.

A Spring Festival (Holi)

1. India is a land of festivals. We celebrate our festivals with great enthusiasm. The festivals make us forget our cares and anxieties. They break the monotony of our everyday life. They provide great joy and fun. We celebrate the different festivals at different times. Holi perhaps the happiest festival of the Hindus. It is a spring festival. It is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra. It marks the beginning of the spring season. The beauty of nature makes this festival colourful. The lovely flowers with their dazzling colors and the sweet songs of the cuckoo provide a charming background to Holi.

2. The Holi celebrations begin on the last day of Phalgun. People collect sticks and straws lying in streets at a place. At night they gather at that place and set fire to the huge pile of sticks and straws. They sing songs to the accompaniment of drums. They are mad with joy. They break up when the fire fades out. They main celebration follows the next day. People are in a happy mood. They sprinkle colored water on one another. They colored water on the passers-by. Even the old people are mad with joy. All people are in a jolly mood. They forget social distinction. They mix with all freely. In our villages people move about with coloured water. They sing, dance, and jump about. They beat drums and sing loudly in a chorus. In the evening they visit their friends and neighbors.

3. Holi is an important festival of the Hindus. It is a festival of Joy. It gives us the message of friendship and goodwill. On this occasion we forget our old quarrels and mix with all freely. At least for one day we forget social distinctions completely. There is no difference between the rich and the poor. Holi gives us great joy. It is a happy occasion when forget our cares and anxieties.

4. Holi has got some evils. Many people get drunk on this day occasion. They indulge in rowdy behavior. Some people sing indecent songs and abuse women.

5. We should celebrate Holi in a decent way. WE must realize that it is a festival of joy and friendship. We should share our joy with others. We must no behave badly.