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| | Diwali 2006 |
 | | Diwali is colloquially known as the "Festival of Lights", for the common practice is to light small oil lamps (called diyas) and place them around the home, in courtyards, verandahs, and gardens, as well as on roof-tops and outer walls. |
 | | In urban areas, especially, candles are substituted for diyas; and among the nouveau riche, neon lights are made to substitute for candles. |
 | | Everywhere, it signifies the renewal of life, and accordingly it is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival; similarly, it heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the planting season. |
| www.newyorklife.com /cda/0,3254,14903,00.html (211 words) |
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