{image-05-04-diwali-at202.jpg news.oneindia.in}India, the eminent example of 'unity in diversity' on Friday, Nov 5 started its celebration of the festival of lights, crackers, sweets and fun - Diwali.

Though traditionally Diwali has been recognised as the Hindu festival, but the festival breaks all shackles among the several religions like Muslim, Christian. Diwali removes all bars among people of all ages and different parts of the society.

Diwali or Deepavali, the five-day festival begins with Naraka Chaturdashi, followed by Lakshmi puja, Dhanteras, Bhai Dooj and Angadi puja.

Diwali commemorates various events in both Hindu mythology as well as in Indian history. That it marks the return of Rama, Sita and Laxman to Ayodhya from their 14-year exile and the defeat of Ravana is well-known.

The people of Ayodhya celebrated their return by adorning their path with earthen lamps or diyas, which is why we get to see the aura of diyas everywhere during the festival.

Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the goddess of strength.

Diwali has been celebrated with the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas) to signify the triumph of good over evil. Most Indian business communities begin the financial year on the first day of Diwali.

Diwali falls on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, but the festive atmosphere pervades the nation days in advance. People get busy with shopping, decoration, preparation of sweets and gear up to celebrate the biggest festival of the year.

This time India would recieve US President Barack in celebrating the fete as he would arrive India on Saturday, Nov 6, 2010.

Read No party pooper, Obama to celebrate Diwali in Mumbai

Good news came for the people of Jammu Kashmir also as separatists leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani announced that they would not riddle the celebrations of the Kashmiris during Diwali.

Read Geelani gifts no bandh, no protest to JK on Diwali

This year, have a fun-filled, safe and eco-friendly Diwali with eco-friendly crackers, which are available in Indian markets.

Read Cheaper, safer eco-friendly crackers hit stores

On the auspicious day of lights and sweets, the whole team of OneIndia wish you all a very Happy Diwali.

OneIndia News