/fdata%2F3211695%2F%2Favatar-user-2520981-tmpphpvwJAW6.jpeg){kind=avatar}
When and where is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus in India and all over the world. The day of Diwali is determined by the position of the moon according to the Hindu calendar. A moonless or a no-moon day is considered as perfect for Diwali. It usually falls in October or November.
What is Diwali?
Diwali is the Hindu New Year and may last five continuous days. It is a very colourful and exciting holiday.Homes are cleaned to welcome the New Year, windows are open so that the Goddess of Wealth, LAKSHIMI, can enter. The third day is the festival of lights.
What do people do?
People light small oil lamps called DIYAS and place them around the home, in the gardens, verandas as well as rooftops.They draw a RANGOLI at the doorstep to welcome the Goddess. It can be made with coins, flower petals, dry fruit, leaves, sweets, uncooked rice...
A few days before Diwali, people draw, write and send Diwali greeting cards to their friends and relatives. They also prepare Diwali dishes.
On the most important day of Diwali, they exchange presents, as we do at Christmas. Playing cards or going to casino is very popular because Lakshimi, the Goddess of Wealth protects and smiles upon the players.
Young girls dance traditional dances and beautiful fireworks are let off in the evening.
from Connect 4ème, Hachette 2008
