Varanasi, Oct.17 On the occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights, Batashas or, the traditional candies, used mostly on religious occasions, were in high demand.

Prepared from boiling sugar syrups, these Batashas have their own significance and distinct taste.

On Diwali, as people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha at their homes, offices and shops on this auspicious occasion, Batashas are distributed among all after the prayers on this occasion as tradition sweets.

"These sugar candies hold lot of significance during Diwali. It is one of the essential offering made to the god on this occasion," said Kamakhaya Gupta, a maker of sugar candies in Varanasi.

Available in several shapes and sizes nowadays, they attract children a lot. They are one of the essential divine offerings during Diwali, considered pure by the devout Hindus.

"I have come here to buy sugar candies. As you know, these present days sweets that are made from Khoya (a milk product) are not good for health. Most of the Khoya is adulterated these days. Hence I suggest that people must consume," said Arun Srivastava, a customer of Batasas, Varanasi.

Deepavali or Diwali is a five-day festival, celebrated across India on Kartik Amavasya (the new moon day), in Kartik month as per Hindu almanac.

It is also known as Naruka Chaturdashi when Lord Vishnu destroyed the evil Narakasura.

Legend has it that Lord Rama entered Ayodhya on this day after 14 years in self-exile. People of Ayodhya lit lamps to welcome Lord Rama's return, and hence Diwali is observed. By Girish Kumar Dubey (ANI)