Sri Lanka is on the extreme southeastern
point of India. Related to the epic of Ramayana, Diwali holds a special
importance for the people here. The festival is marked by illumination,
making of toys of enamel and making of figures out of crystal sugar
popularly known as Misiri. The sugar crystals take the place of sweets.
Hindus light oil lamps to invite the blessings of Lakshmi, the goddess of
wealth. Burning of crackers in the evening of the festival is a common
practice of this festival. Srilanka's celebration may lack many of the
traditional aspects of Diwali such as games, fireworks, singing and dancing,
but the tradition of a large meal is admirably preserved.
