• Pratham Delhi Education Initiative (NGO), Delhi
• Sri Lakshmi Narayana School, Chennai
• Vivek Vidyalaya, Mumbai NEW
• Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Matriculation school, Ajjannur, Coimbatore
• Bhavan's Girdhardas Mohota Vidya Mandir, Wardha, Maharashtra
• Bhavans Atmakuri Rama Rao School, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
• J.S.S. Public School, HSR Layout, Bangalore, Karnataka
• Bhavan's RIL School, Mouda, Nagpur, Maharashtra
• Bhavans Vidyashram, Jaipur, Rajasthan
• Jeevandeep Public School, Varnasi
• Bhavan's Vidyamandir, Puthucode, Palakkad, Kerala
• Bhavan’s Vidya Mandir, Irinjalakuda, Kerala
• Bhavans Sawan Public School, New Delhi
• Bhavan's Public School, R.C. Puram, Hyderabad
• Sri Sathya Sai Vidyaniketan, Navsari, Gujarat
• Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan School, Perumthiruthi, Kozhikode, Kerala
• New Era English School, Nashik, Maharashtra
• Godkar's Academy, Mumbai
• Bhavan's Kodagu Vidyalaya, Madikeri, Karnataka
• Bhavan's Adarsha Vidyalaya, Kakkanad, Kochi, Kerala
• Kulapati Munshi Bhavan’s Vidya Mandir, Thrissur, Kerala
• Bhavan's Vidya Mandir, Girinagar, Kochi
• Bellur Kamalamma Subbana Vidya Bhavan School, Mysore
• St. Kabir School, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Johnson Grammar School, Habsiguda, Hyderabad

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DEEPAWALI FESTIVAL

By Anuradha Gopal (V B)

Deepawali is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals. The literal meaning of Deepawali in Sanskrit is a ‘row of lamps’. This festival generally falls on ‘Amavasya day’ on the month of October or November. It is celebrated by people of various regions in India. In the southern region Deepawali signifies the death of the demon king Naraksura and the northen region celebrates the return of Rama from exile. Though the reasons may vary, the enthusiasm and excitement in celebrating the festival is just the same. This festival is celebrated by the rich and the poor alike.
Deepawali being a festival of lights, signifies the triumph of good over evil and lighting the lamp of knowledge.
On this day, people wake up early in the morning, have scented bath, wear new clothes, eat sweets and snacks and burst fire crackers. Everyone is in a joyous mood. They distribute sweets among their friends and relatives. Beautiful and colourful rangolis are made in front of every house. When darkness sets in people light up oil-lamps. Even a poor man tries to light as many oil-lamps as he can to usher in the Gods. The 2nd day of Deepawali is celebrated as Lakshmi Pooja. People worship the Goddess of wealth on this day. The 3rd day is celebrated as Bali Pratipada that is the Hindu New Year Day.
Bahu Beej is celebrated on the 4th day. Sisters invite brothers to their house and brothers give gifts to their sisters. Many people buy a new house, vehicles, ornaments etc during Deepawali.
Children love this festival the most. They get new clothes, sweets, gifts and lots of fire crackers to burst.
Bursting fire crackers are very enjoyable but they can be hazardous to health. They add to air and noise pollution. Apart from the dangers, a large sum of money is burnt to ashes in minutes. It can be used for useful purposes.
Deepawali is a wonderful festival of giving and sharing. The main concept of celebrating festivals is to be happy and make others happy and Deepawali signifies this in its true sense.