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2. An Indian Festival, Or, The Festival of Lights |, Introduction : India is a country of fairs and festi~ vals. They are the part of our social, cultural and religious life. They bring us joy and refresh us with a new, energy. Dipawali is one such festival., , Religious significance : It signifies the celebration to welcome Shri Ram, Sitaji and Laxmana to, Ayodhya from their fourteen years of exile. People, decorated their houses with rows of burning lamps to, welcome their Raja - Shri Ram. It falls on ‘'amavasya, , ‘in the month of kartik., , Preparations : It begins much in advance. People, white wash and clean their houses and shops, make, sweets, buy new clothes and utensils to celebrate, Dipawali., , On the day : The doors are decorated with 'toran’, of mango leaves and at the entrance gates and the, courtyards are set with floral or colourful designs of, 'rangolis' to welcome the Goddess of Wealth. In the, evening, people decorate their houses with rows of, burning earthen lamps, wear new dresses and worship goddess Laxmi followed by distribution of sweets, and bursting of crackers., , Social significance : People forget their differences and come closer to one another to celebrate, Dipawali with relatives and friends. Greetings of good, wishes, prosperity and happiness are exchanged, amongst them. Businessmen open new account, books and after the 'puja' and close their shops for a, few days., , Drawback : Too much burning of crackers leads, to noise and environment pollution. Sometimes, carelessness leads to burn injuries. Some people also, take to gambling and lose a lot of money in stake., Such nuisance should be avoided., , Conclusion : Dipawali is a festival of joy, which, brings prosperity and progress. It unites people with, the bond of happiness. .