Deepavali, also called Diwali means ‘a row of lights’ in Sanskrit and is celebrated by Hindus all over India as the festival of lights. In Kerala, Deepavali is observed on the day before the new moon in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November).
Deepavali is a celebration of God Sree Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narakasura. The Tamil communities in Kerala begin their celebrations early in the morning with a ritual oil bath before sunrise. This is immediately followed by consuming a concoction of jaggery and dry ginger.
The celebrations include wearing festive garments, distributing special sweets, bursting firecrackers and a watching the colorful fireworks lighting up the sky. Homes are lit up with clay oil lamps and the sparkling lights dazzle every neighborhood during Deepavali.
