Diwali (or Deepawali) is India’s most famous and biggest Festival. It is named after the row (avali ) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside to signify the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness.
Diwali is being celebrated nation wide over the centuries and is also enjoyed by non-Hindu groups. In Jainism, Diwali is the anniversary of Lord Mahavira’s spiritual awakening on October 15, 527 B.C.
It is also observed in Sikhism to honor Guru Hargobind Ji (the Sixth Sikh Guru) who was released from prison. Diwali is also celebrated by Indian Buddhists.
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Diwali (or the festival of lights) is celebrated on October/November every year. The country is already surrounded by festive decorations, music, dancing and feasts. Navratri celebrations intensify the celebration mood in the coming weeks.
Northern India celebrates King Rama's return from Ayodhya, after he defeated Ravana, by lighting rows upon rows of clay lamps. It is celebrated in South India as the day Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura the demon. The festival in western India marks the day Lord Vishnu (one the main gods of Hindu trinity), sent the demon King Bali into the netherworld to take over.
Diwali is celebrated for three days.
- DAY ONE ( Dhanteras): To bring good fortune, people clean their homes and buy Gold and kitchen utensils.
- DAY TWO ( Choti Diwali) : With clay lamps, people decorate their homes and make patterns on the floor called Rangoli with colored powders or sand.
- DAY THREE ( Diwali): After worshiping Goddess Lakshmi & Lord Ganesh, Friends and family visit to each others place to exchange gifts/ sweets and best wishes.
Lord Ram’s returned to Ayodhya
In Hindu mythology, main story about the Day is welcoming of Lord Rama, Devi Sita and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile.
"Villagers used Diya and decorations to light the way for Rama after he defeated Ravana, the demon king. In some areas people do reenactment of Ramayana, the story about Lord Rama."
Krishna defeated Narakasura the demon
Another victorious event in Hindu mythology is also celebrated on this auspicious day. This day is believed to have been the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura, who was a ruler over Pragjyotishapura (which is located near Assam).
"Krishna defeated the demon to free his kingdom's people, who were living in fear & Declared the day to be filled with celebrations."
Celebrate the goddess of Prosperity
During Diwali, the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi (also known as Lakshmi) is worshiped all over India. She is believed to have married Lord Vishnu, a Hindu deity that is renowned for fertility, prosperity and wealth.
Sikhism, Diwali
Sikhs also celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas on the same day of Diwali. It is marked as Guru Hargobind ji released from Gwalior Fort, where he was imprisoned & arrived at Amritsar’s Golden Temple.
"The Golden Temple has special lightning and host fireworks along with other people to celebrate this day.“
Festival of Lights
Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, peoples decorate their homes with little clay lamps ( Diyaas) and other decorative lights. Streets and buildings are lit up with bright lightning. People do fireworks displays to light up the sky.
Festival for sweet teeth
Diwali is a celebration of music, dance, fireworks and another tradition, the giving and sharing of mithai sweets. Friends, family members, neighbours, and acquaintances can exchange boxes full of colorful delights. These boxes usually include classic Indian Sweets such as Barfis, Dry fruits, Soan-papdi etc.
Facts about Diwali
- Diwali, a significant religious festival that originated in India . Although Diwali is often thought of as a Hindu celebration, it is also celebrated by Sikh and Jain.
- Diwali is an annual event that lasts five days and marks the beginning of the Hindu Year. The precise dates vary each year, and are determined by where the Moon is located. However, it falls between October and November.
- Diwali is not all about legends and lights. It’s a time for fun with family and friends! People exchange sweets and gifts, enjoy delicious meals, see firework displays, and don new clothes. People also decorate and clean your home during this time.
- Rangoli A popular Diwali tradition, beautiful patterns created with colourful powders or flowers are a highlight of the festival. To welcome the gods and bring luck, people draw rangoli on their floors near the entrance to their homes.
- This fascinating festival is enjoyed by millions in many countries around the globe. Hindus from other countries gather at place called Mandir for Diwali to offer prayers, view firework displays, and enjoy delicious food!
The largest Diwali celebrations are held in the United Kingdom's Leicester. Tens of thousands of people come together every year to celebrate Diwali with vibrant lights, music, and dancing.
FAQs:
What is Diwali and why is it celebrated?
Diwali, or Dipawali, is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.
What is the main story of Diwali?
In one of the main stories in Hindu mythology, Diwali is the day Lord Rama, his wife Sita Devi and brother Lakshmana return to their homeland after 14 years in exile. The villagers lit a path for Rama, who had defeated the demon king Ravana.
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