To be honest, I consider myself lucky to be a part of the most vibrant festival of North India- Diwali. From the very start, I knew that Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivities of the Indian culture. I have seen many Indians celebrating Diwali in US and some how this forced me to know more about the festival of lights. In fact, to be frank, I planned my trip at such a time that I could celebrate the exotic Diwali in India. As far as I remember it was last week of October, when I landed on the enchanting Indian land.

Diwali is a festival synonymous with gaiety, fun and frolic and is very popular among Indians all over the world.This is an occasion for young and the old, men and women, rich and poor.

Since I was new to the land and to the culture, I needed help who could provide me more information on Diwali and make my tour to India successful. Thankfully, I had an Indian friend, Meenakshi, who became my guide on my voyage. Meenakshi is fanatic about Indian culture and she know every tit and bit of it. Meenu as I used to call her was posted in US with me, about 3 years back, and since we were working on the same project, we became good friends. But due to some personal problems, she had to come back to India and got settled in New Delhi.

"Meenu! I suppose Diwali is near" I asked her as if I was ignorant about the fact that Diwali was just one week away. "Ya! hey! how do you know!? Good! at least you know some thing about India" as she passed a sarcastic note on me. And we both laughed as she was very much aware that I came to India just to see the fiesta.

Since I was living with Meenu, I got the chance to get a closer look at the festival.
" Lets go for shopping" said Meenu. "Fine" I replied. Initially, I thought we were going to South Ex, a posh market, in Delhi. But no I was wrong Meenu took me to a crowded local road side market. "Why are you here? " I asked her in amusement. " Wait! You'll come to know " She replied and soon I came to know the reasons why? She was there to purchase diyas and candles. Diyas and candles play a major role in Diwali illuminating the dark night with light of love and peace.

On the way back to home, Meenu told me that Diwali or Deepawali occurs in the month October/November and is celebrated over four days. Dhanteras is the first day or rather the eve of the day on which the festival begins and the Narkachaturdashi which is also known as Kalichoudas or Bali Pratipada is the second day. Laxmi Pujan normally occurs on the third day and Bhaiya-duj is the last day. Oh! what a festival!, I thought.

I was easily able to feel the high energy level amongst the people residing in the Delhi. They all had a different glow on their face. In fact, Delhi Markets are the best place to judge the high spirits of the population. Not far, even Meenu went mad and spent around Rs 20000 during the Diwali period. She bought every kind of things to make her home look special . She purchased many new dresses for her, her parents and Diwali gifts for friends and relatives.

Finally, the major day arrived, in fact I should say the major night, when Indians celebrate the festival of light together forgetting the caste and creed of the other person." Joe! will you do me a favor? Please help me in lighting the candles and diyas" Meenu asked " Ya ! I love to do that! " I jumped on to the opportunity. The programme started with Laxmi Puja. Soon Meenu house was crowded with guests and friends.

Meenu house was not only decorated with candles but also with electric lights that made it look like a heavenly paradise. In fact, the entire colony beautified their house in the same way. Some had more lights, some had few but the feel of togetherness and gaiety was very much there. And then from 9 pm, we, Meenu and I, burnt crackers and that made the festival all the more exciting.