It should be noted that bright paper lanterns have become one of the main ethnic symbols of Penang for local folks. These lanterns are used as house decorations in the season of numerous fests and holidays. The Deepavalli Day is dedicated to the lanterns being also known as a festival of lights. The holiday of lights is celebrated on the 7th of November. Literally the name of the holiday is translated as a row of lights. According to one of the theories the holiday was born more than five thousand years ago.
The festival symbolizes the end of the next Hindu year and celebrates the beginning of winter being known as a season of rains. During the holiday day local folks clean their houses and keep the “vikku” lanterns lighted. The lanterns symbolize the triumph of good over evil. At nightfall local folks set off to the coastal area and set small lanterns afloat. This ritual is a unique sacrificial offering to the goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that people who venerated the goddess on this day will face luck in all aspects of life though the entire next year.
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