Diwali/Deepavali

Diwali History

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most revered and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. Symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, the festival garners significant religious and cultural importance. It is a five-day-long occasion, marking the beginning of the Hindu New Year and engaging in various rituals, customs, and festivities that reflect the spirit of joy, hope, and togetherness.

The origin of Diwali dates back to ancient Indian mythology, with different regions attributing its celebration to various events and deities. While North India commemorates Lord Rama's homecoming after 14 years of exile and victory against the demon king Ravana, South India commemorates it with the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. The festival serves as a reminder of these great events from Indian mythology and promotes a sense of national and cultural identity among the people. Key aspects of Diwali that hold significance for the Indian populace include the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, along with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

The observance of Diwali in India involves a multitude of rituals and customs spread across five days. People thoroughly clean and decorate their homes with flowers, rangoli, and diyas (oil lamps) while shopping for new clothes, sweets, and gifts. Traditional dishes are prepared, and families come together to indulge in feasting and merry-making. The festival reaches its peak with the bursting of fireworks and exchange of gifts among friends and family. Diwali usually falls between mid-October and November, with the main celebration taking place on the darkest new moon night of the Kartik month in the Hindu calendar. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on November 4, encapsulating the true essence of festive joy and enthusiasm across India.

Facts about Diwali

• Diwali commemorates the return of a deity known as Lord Rama from a 14-year exile. Lamps are lit to guide Lord Rama's and his family's way.
• A Diya, burned on Diwali, is an oil lamp made from clay. It is fueled by a cotton wick often dipped in oil.
• Diwali is also celebrated in honor of the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune, Lakshmi. According to Hindu mythology, Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the churning of the sea, known as Samudra Manthan, on the night of Diwali. Devotees clean and decorate their homes to welcome the goddess and seek her blessings for prosperity.
• In recent years, there has been a growing awareness about the negative impact of pollution caused by firecrackers during Diwali. Many Indian cities, including the capital New Delhi, have implemented restrictions on the sale and use of firecrackers to improve air quality and protect the environment.

In the News and Trending in India for Diwali/Deepavali

Top things to do in India for Diwali

• Celebrate the first day of Diwali (Dhanteras) by stringing lights or placing candles around your home. This day marks the birthday of the Goddess Lakshimi.
• If you are a woman, celebrate the second day of Diwali (Naraka Chaturdasai) by creating Rangoli designs (colorful patterns made of dried flour and rice) on your floor, and paint your hands with henna designs. Naraka Chaturdasai is also often marked by religious devotions.
• Bursting fireworks and crackers is a popular Diwali tradition. People light fireworks to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
• Rangoli is a traditional art form in which intricate patterns are created using colored powders, rice, or flower petals on the ground or floor. People create beautiful rangoli designs outside their homes and in public spaces to celebrate Diwali.