The largest of the states in the northeast of India is Assam whose
capital, Guwahati, has an inspired location on the banks of the
River
Brahmaputra. Amidst Assam's verdant lushness and wild sanctuaries,
much of the rest of the state is devoted to tea plantation which yield the
strong Assam leaf popular all over the world.
The celebration of
Diwali in Assam ranges from the diyas
and mithai to singing the aarti with the whole family and then celebrating
with firecrackers the epic moment that symbolizes the victory of good over
evil. People also pull out the little electric lights to substitute for
diyas and light up the house early.
Countless flickering oil lamps and lights are lit in houses all over Assam,
making it a night of enchantment. Worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth,
and fireworks and festivities are an essential part of the celebrations.
Beautiful lamps are hung outside homes that are symbolic of the spiritual
light dispelling evil and the darkness of ignorance.
Doorways are decorated with torans or flower garlands with mango leaves and
marigolds. Rangolis are drawn with colored powders to welcome guests.
Business establishments and families perform, chopda pujan or veneration of
their business books. Everyone feasts and shops and starts new projects or
ventures.
