Diwali: The Festival of Lights and Joy
Diwali, or Dipawali, is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights.” The festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. It is one of the most prominent festival in India and South-East Asia, celebrated with great warmth, joy, and shining grandeur, like Christmas is celebrated in many parts of the world.
Why Is Diwali celebrated?
Deepavali or Diwali is known as the “Festival of Lights” and is a Hindu holiday widely celebrated in India, in South Asia, and across the Hindu diaspora. It’s one of the most important festivals in India and holds different meanings in various regions.
Many Hindus celebrate Diwali because it marks the return of Prince Rama of Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, after completing 14 years of exile. Historically, it marks the day when Krishna was supposed to have slain Narakasura. Narakasura was not his original name, but he gave everyone hell, so they called him Narakasura. When this “causing of hell” was brought to an end by Krishna, people celebrated by lighting lamps in every house.
Since then, people have lit lamps during Diwali to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
On this day, the energies of Light take over darkness to spread love, joy, positivity and enthusiasm.
How do Hinduism celebrate important days?
On the day of Diwali, every city, town, and village glows with thousands of lamps. However, the festival is not only about lighting lamps. Instead, Diwali is a festival of light and joy where children, adults, and elders all celebrate together. Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped on this day, hence everyone cleans their house properly and decorates it like a bride and decorates every place inside and outside the house with lamps.
What is the spiritual significance of Diwali?
It reminds us of the eternal battle between light and darkness, both externally and within ourselves. The rituals and traditions associated with Diwali provide an opportunity for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and the strengthening of bonds with family and friends.
When is Diwali?
Like many Hindu festivals, Diwali follows the lunar calendar, so its exact date changes from year to year.
Diwali typically falls between October and November.
Where is Diwali celebrated?
Celebrations can take place at home, in mandirs (local temples), community centers, and other gathering places. Diwali is celebrated by people around the globe.
How is Diwali Celebrated?
Cleaning and Decorating Homes: Before Diwali, people clean their homes and decorate them with colorful lights, flowers, and beautiful rangoli designs.
Lighting Lamps and Candles: In the evening, families illuminate their homes and surroundings by lighting traditional oil lamps and candle.
Worship and Prayers: People perform Lakshmi Puja to seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Bursting Firecrackers: Fireworks and sparklers light up the sky, symbolizing joy and celebration.
Exchanging Gifts and Sweets: Additionally,Friends and families exchange gifts, sweets, and warm wishes to spread happiness.
Wearing New Clothes: Everyone wears new or traditional clothes to mark the beginning of good fortune and positivity.
Feasting Together: Delicious meals and festive treats like laddoos, barfis, and gulab jamuns are shared with loved ones.Gambling is a popular tradition because of the belief whoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the year. Many people buy gold on the first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras — an act they believe will bring them good luck.
What are some Hindu stories of Diwali?
While Diwali is a major religious festival for Hindus, it is also observed by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. The origin story of Diwali varies depending on the region. So, all these stories share one common theme — the victory of good over evil.
In southern India, Diwali celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna’s destruction of the demon Naraka who is said to have imprisoned women and tormented his subjects. In fact, in the northern regions of India, Diwali is celebrated as the time when Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, triumphantly returns from a 14-year exile in the forest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Diwali is a festival that transcends religious and cultural boundaries, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.
Moreover, it brings people together to celebrate love, hope, and happiness through lights, sweets, and togetherness. In addition, Diwali spreads a universal message of peace, unity, and renewal.
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