Rajasthan is the land of festivals and fairs. People in this sparsely
populated state look for any excuse to assemble together in celebration and
take a break from their otherwise rugged, tough lives. The elaborate rituals
and the gaiety with which they surrender themselves to the numerous fairs
and festivals of the region shows their sheer zest for life. Celebrated
every year in October-November, Diwali is perhaps the most popular of all
Rajasthan festivals. It is a celebration of light, both literally and
metaphorically.
The origin of this festival can be traced back to the ancient Hindu epic
Ramayana, when Lord Ram returned to his kingdom Ayodhya
after 14 years of exile. The whole kingdom was light up with diyas(earthen
lamps) to celebrate his return. To date, on Diwali day, house all over
Rajasthan glow with twinkle of innumerable diyas, candles and electric
lights. The night is illuminated with the flaming lights of fireworks,
creating kaleidoscopic designs against the black canvas of the sky.
Diwali festivals give people a chance to decorate their homes, buy new
clothes, visit relatives and friends and take time off from their daily
routine to gather together and enjoy the festivities. Special food,
naturally, is very high on the agenda, keeping in mind the occasion; a
wedding , a festival, a celebration to mark the birth of a male child or a
good harvest , even good monsoons, are reason enough to celebrate. Women of
the neighborhood gather and prepare sweets like
Mawa Kachori, Til
Ke Laddo, Gonth ke Laddu, Piste ke Launj, Moti Pak, Pheeni, Sohan Papdi,
Besan Barfi, Jalebi, Shakarpara- to name just a few.
