What Is Diwali?
Diwali is an Indian festival which is celebrated for 5 days, in all regions around India the festival has subtle differences. It is known as the Festival of Lights all around the world. The celebration usually includes fireworks and symbolises the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness. The seasonal festival of Diwali is the most important in Hinduism and has been celebrated for centuries. Diwali is a national Indian festival and the Indian government has 3 days of holiday to celebrate Diwali. In Jainism the Diwali festival marks the nirvana or spiritual awakening of the Lord Mahavira on October 15, 527 B.C. in Sikhism, it honors the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru, was freed from imprisonment. Buddhists in India celebrate Diwali as well.
In Bengal, the celebration is in worship for the goddess Kali, whereas in North India the festival Diwali is celebrated for the return of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana & Hanuman to the city of Ayodhya. The city of Ayodhya is the old historical birthplace of Rama and on Diwali Rama's rule of righteousness would commence in his role as king. On the third day of Diwali (which is celebrated on November 14th), there is a sequel of celebrations, small earthenware lamps filled with oil (Deepam Oil / Puja Oil) are lit and placed in rows along the parapets of temples and houses and set adrift on rivers and streams. The clay lamps are lit on the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth.) Diwali lasts for five days from the 13th day which comes in the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of Kartika. The festival of Diwali occurs depending on the Gregorian calendar in October or November.
The correct pronunciation
Diwali is also known as Dipawali & Divali but the correct pronunciation is Deepavali. The term deepa refers to the clay lamps which are used as a light in the 5 day Deepavali festival. Avali is the word that comes after deepa’ and it is the traditional way to pronounce it. The name Deepavali comes from the combination of the two words, avali means (row) and deep means (clay lamps.) The name Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit term Dipavali.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is an important Hindu festival celebrated across India and other parts of the world. This festival of lights is celebrated every year and is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism. Every year, people come together to celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm and joy. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil, and is also celebrated to honor the goddess Lakshmi. Diwali is celebrated for five days, with the main day being Diwali night which falls on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik. The celebration of Diwali has been celebrated for centuries and is considered as one of the oldest Hindu festivals. It marks the beginning of the new year for Hindus and is also associated with the return of Lord Rama from his fourteen-year exile. Diwali is celebrated to honor the triumph of Lord Rama and his vanquishing of the demon king Ravana.
People celebrate Diwali by lighting diyas and candles, exchanging sweets and gifts, performing religious rituals, and having family gatherings. The main reason why Diwali is celebrated is to remember the victory of good over evil. People celebrate this festival by lighting diyas and candles, which symbolize the victory of light over darkness. Diwali also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, and it is celebrated in different ways in different parts of India. People in North India celebrate Diwali by performing the Lakshmi Puja and exchanging gifts, while in South India, Diwali is mostly celebrated as the festival of lights. The celebration of Diwali is also associated with many traditions and customs which have been followed for centuries. People exchange gifts and sweets during Diwali, and it is also a time for families to come together and celebrate. On Diwali night, people light firecrackers and the night sky is lit up with the sparks of the crackers. People also perform Lakshmi Puja and offer prayers to the goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to bring in prosperity and good luck. The celebration of Diwali is an integral part of Hindu culture, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm every year. It is a time for people to come together to celebrate this festival of lights and to honor the victory of good over evil. Diwali is a time for family gatherings and for exchanging gifts and sweets, and it is a time to pray for prosperity and good luck
