Diwali
Do the preparation task first. Then read the article and do the exercises.
Preparation
Diwali comes from the word deepavali, which means 'rows of lighted lamps'. During the festival, these lamps, called diyas, are used everywhere. They symbolise the victory of light over darkness, or good over evil.
Diwali is celebrated differently in different regions and by different religions and is a bank holiday in many countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji, Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. It is often considered a Hindu festival, but in fact it is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and Newari Buddhists.
Here are some of the things that happen during the five days of Diwali.
Day One – Dhanteras, or Day of Fortune
The first day has a focus on fortune, both good luck and money or valuables. People may wash money to show that they intend to use it to do good in the world. It is also a day for helping people who are not as well off.
It is a lucky day for buying gold and silver and other metals, so people often buy jewellery or cars, or anything made of metal. It is estimated that last year Indians spent about $3.9 billion during Diwali.
People also make sure that their houses are clean, ready to welcome in Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, in the evening.
Day Two – Naraka Chaturdashi
According to Hindu stories, the demon Narakasura was killed on this day. The day is all about getting rid of anything bad. People get up early and wash and put on clean or new clothes.
Afterwards, they will celebrate by having a special breakfast with their friends and family. This day, also known as Chhoti Diwali, is a day for visiting friends, business associates and relatives, and for exchanging gifts.
Day Three – Diwali
In most regions, this is the most important day of the festival. It is the last day of the year in many regions of India. The story goes that on this day, Lord Rama rescued his wife, Sita, from the demon Ravana. Candles are lit to celebrate his victory, and to light his way home after the battle. In the evening, people may set off fireworks.
Day Four – Annakut
Annakut means 'mountain of food'. Hindus prepare a great deal of food and take it to the temple to celebrate the beginning of the new year.
Food is important throughout the period of Diwali, especially traditional sweet treats such as gulab jamun (a very sweet deep-fried doughnut), kheer (a creamy dessert made with rice) or barfi (a sweet made with condensed milk and sugar).
Day Five – Bhai Dhooj
This is the last day of Diwali, and it also sometimes celebrates the relationship between brother and sister. Brothers may visit their married sisters' homes, and they will take gifts.
A universal symbol
Diwali is celebrated by millions of people in India and across the world. The festival marks different historical events and stories for each faith that celebrates it, but for all the faiths it symbolises the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness, which means something to all of us.
In India, Diwali is the most important festival, which is a festival of lights.
In Italy, we have many festivals,but the most important in my opinion is Christmas and the celebrations for the new year that arrives soon after the holy nativity. Usually we spend time in family around the table eating the tipical dishes in every regions of the Country. We all go to church at midnight to honor our God.
In Mexico, we are lucky to have too many traditions, "The Day of the Dead" is by far the best tradition in Mexico. Celebrated from 31 October to 2 November in Mexico and some parts of Latin America.
These days are a combination of Spaniard traditions and Mexican ancient civilizations, those civilizations were known to be respectful of the dead and they used to leave offerings on those days.
Nowadays we leave offerings to our deceased loved ones with their favoutite food and desserts. It is believed that deceased loved ones may cross from the dead land to the living land during these days to see again their families.
There is a huge festival in the centre of Mexico where is commonly see "catrinas", "alebrijes" and people dressed up like monarch butterflies.
At the end of the day, families gather around to eat the delicious "bread of the dead" with hot chocolate. It is a special day to remember all the family members who have passed away, wishing they are fine and celebrating wherever they are.
In my country we celebrated every fastival like holi, diwali, new years, Christmas , bhaiya buj, rakhi.etc
In Myanmar, Thingyan Water Festival (water-throwing festival) is very famous and important for us. It is also Myanmar new year. It lasts 4 or 5 days depending on the lunar calendar. We do a lot of things during this festival like go to the pagoda and worship and pray, throwing water to each others, travel across the country, paying homage to the elders and have some family gathering time.
Regarding the "Discussion" on "Diwali," I don't think I ever wrote the following: "I find it very hard to talk about the most important festival in my country, because there are many fairs in all regions, which have taken on particular importance on an international scale too. It's enough to mention the "Palio of Siena." The fact is that local cultures and regional heritages are very significant in Italy, even more than national ones." Was this a mistake on your part, attributing to me someone else's message?
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