Deepawali Celebrations - Crackers

Almost each and every house hold in my vicinity was busting crackers on the eve of Narak Chaturdashi, the second day of Deepawali. In south India, this is the actual day of festivities. Hindus wake up way before dawn as early as 2:00 in the morning, have a fragrant oil bath and wear new clothes. They light small lamps all around the house and draw elaborate kolams /rangolis outside their homes.

They perform a special pooja with offerings to Lord Sri Krishna or Lord Sri Vishnu, as he liberated the world from the demon Narakasura on this day. It is believed that taking a bath before sunrise, when the stars are still visible in the sky is equivalent to taking a bath in the holy Ganges. And finally celebrate the evening by busting lots of firecrackers with the friends and family...