Diwali, the festival of Lights in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the land of festivals and fair and among these festivals Diwali or Deepavali is perhaps the most popular one in the State. Diwali is considered to be one of the biggest festivals of Hindus. Rajasthani's celebrate this colourful festival by illuminating the homes with the diyas or earthen lamps, by preparing sweets and fire works. The doorways of many houses are also decorated with marigolds and torans of mango leaves.

The mythological story behind the origin of Diwali can be traced back to Ramayana (Hindu epic). The whole kingdom of Ayodhya celebrated the return of Lord Rama after fourteen years of exile by lighting diyas (earthen lamps). Since then, lighting diyas has become an integral part of the festivities of Diwali.