Diwali

Diwali or the festival of lights is an important festival of the Hindu Goans, second only to ganesh Festival. It falls on the last day of the dark half of Kartik.It is an occasion in honor of Ramas victory over Ravana of truth. Illuminations are arranged as welcome to Rama in Ayodhya.It is observed since then.

The original form of Diwali is Deepawali, which literally means a row of lights. During Diwali, every house is lit-with little earthenware vessels containing oil and a wick. Besides every house lights a colorful lantern, specially made for the occasion called the akashdeep.In the olden days the youngsters took time off to make beautiful akashdeep. Today these are also available commercially.

During the night, oil lamps are lit until the occasion of tulsi lagna, which is also known as vodli Diwali. Tulsi plant is sacred to all Hindus and is planted in homes and temples.Tulsi is sacred to Vishnu or to his consort Lakshmi, and is worshipped as a deity. Many regard it as a metamorphosis of sita, wife of Rama, others identify it as an embodiment of all the deities together.Tulsi is the object of more adoration than other plant worshipped in India.