Diwali is one of the major Indian festivals popularly known as the festival of lights. This festival is wormly celebrated not only in India but across the world. The beauty of this festival is that not only Hindu, but Bouddh, Jain and Sikh communities also celebrate this auspicious occasion with the same joy and excitement. People get relief from their daily work and become traditional during festivals. We are here to talk about the Diwali Festival, its history, its significance and some of the interesting facts that you don’t know.
Introduction: Festival of Lights
Diwali is a 5-day festival known as the festival of lights. Every year this festival is warmly celebrated. Irrespective of religion and culture, everyone waits for Diwali with the same temperament. On this occasion, people clean their homes and workplaces and decorate them with earthen lamps (Popularly known as Diya) and welcome the Goddess Lakshmi The Goddess of wealth and prosperity at night. Spresses love, with sweet and gift with family and friends. Diwali celebration pandal and Lakshmi puja is a common thing we can see in public places and people perform their rituals and traditions.
Diwali Festival 2023 Date
Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartik month according to the Lunar calendar and falls in either October or November each year. This is the time when the end of the summer harvest season is celebrated with much pomp and splendour. Check out the Diwali festival Date here-
- In 2023, Diwali is on November 12.
- In 2024, Diwali is on October 29.
- In 2025, Diwali is on October 20.
Meaning of Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali comes from the Sanskrit word Dipawali meaning “Row or Series of Lights”. This festival gives a beautiful message of light over darkness, or victory over evil. On this auspicious occasion, Goddess Lakshmi and lord Ganesha are prayed in every home temple and workplace. According to belief, they bring good health, wealth, prosperity and success. Diwali gives a beautiful message to spread love and help the poor.
Significance of the Diwali Festival
Social Harmoney and Unity
Diwali is a religious as well as cultural festival in India. Not only Hindus, but Sikhs, Jains, and Bouddh also celebrate Holi as per their religious belief. Thus the festival is celebrated by many religions in India and hence the festival enhances social unity.
Diwali: A Cultural Festival in India
India is known for its incredible diversity. Diwali is a cultural festival. The festival is warmly celebrated by many religions and cultures. Not only Hindu but this festival is also significant for the Bauddh, Jain and Sikhs community and celebrates this auspicious occasion as per their own cultural and religious belief. They follow their own customs and traditions for the Diwali celebration. We can say that Diwali is a cultural festival celebrated by many religions in India. Know more. Cultural Diversity of India
History of the Diwali Festival
Like other Indian festivals, Diwali also has some story or legend associated with it. As the festival comes closer, the question frequently comes to our mind: Why is Diwali celebrated? Here are the different stories and legends associated with the Diwali festival celebration.
Story of Ramayana
According to Hindu belief, Deepavali has been celebrated since ancient times. The story of Diwali dates back to the time of Ramayana. Most people believe that when Hindu God Rama returned to Ayodhya with his wife Sita, and brother, Lakshman, after 14 years of exile the people of Ayodhya lit a lamp of ghee to welcome him. To illuminate the path through which they return and in order to guide them home, Diyas (clay lamps) are lit everywhere. Every road in Ayodhya is decorated with golden flowers and the world is bathed in golden hues of light.
Story of Mahavir Swami
The people of Jainism celebrate Diwali because Mahavir Swami, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara, attained salvation on this day and incidentally his disciple Gautama attained enlightenment on this day.
Sikh Belief for Diwali Celebration
Diwali coincides with the Sikh celebration of the Bandi Chhor Divas. This religious holiday commemorates the release of Sikh Guru Hargobind Ji from the Gwalior Fort in India in the 17th century. The Guru, who was imprisoned by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, was standing against the emperor’s regime’s oppression of the Indian people. Loosely translated, Bandi Chhor means ‘release of incarcerated people. So to Sikhs, the festival represents freedom. The Sikh community also celebrates this festival with great pomp and light. They celebrate the festival because the sixth Guru of the Sikhs, Hargobind Singh Ji, was released from the prison of Gwalior by Jahangir on the same day. Also Know: Sikh Festivals In India
Diwali Decoration
On this auspicious occasion, buildings are beautifully decorated with colourful dazzling lights. The doors are decorated with Rangoli and Diya symbolising good health, wealth prosperity and success in the home. This festival adds beautiful memories to people’s lives. The festival of light is traditionally celebrated by lighting earthen lamps.
Diwali Puja and Rituals
On this auspicious occasion, Hindus perform Puja and rituals at Home. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are set in the home temple (Mandir) Traditional puja and rituals are performed in every home. The celebration also takes place in public places people decorate the Lakshmi puja pandal set of Idols of Lakshmi and Geshna symbolising wealth and prosperity and success. Also Check: How to Celebrate Diwali?
Diwali is a 5 Day Festival
Diwali is celebrated over 5 Days. Each day of Diwali has a different significance than others. The First Day is known as Dhanteras, Second day of Diwali is known as Chhoti Diwali. The Third Day is the main Diwali also Known as Lakshmi Puja, Fourth Day is known as Goverdhan Puja, and the Fifth Day of Diwali is known as Bhai Doo. Know more here:- 5 Days of Diwali
Diwali Festival Celebration
This smiling face and excitement are easily seen everywhere. People wear traditional Indian clothes, and exchange sweets and gifts and mark this celebration special. Firecrackers are a part of this festival celebration.
Diwali is known as the Festival of Light. The festival is traditionally celebrated by lighting earthen lamps but nowadays, we use candles or LED lights for Diwali decoration. We can see millions of lamps lit at homes, temples, shops, and public buildings. Homes, offices, or workplaces everywhere are decorated with lights in different colours.
Diwali is celebrated by bursting firecrackers, lighting Diyas or Earthen lamps, cleaning and decorating their homes, buying new clothes, and making hand-painted Rangoli designs in their living rooms and courtyards. Prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.
Also Read- Happy Diwali Festival Wishes
Conclusion
Diwali is one of the Indian festivals that everyone waits eagerly for. Diwali is a popular Indian festival celebrated by many religions. Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Bouddh Communities celebrate the Diwali festival every year. This festival is wormly celebrated not only in India but across the world.
FAQs
What is Diwali?
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a Hindu festival celebrated by millions of people around the world. It signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
When is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika, which usually falls in October or November. The date varies each year based on the Hindu lunar calendar.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana to their kingdom after defeating the demon king Ravana. It also marks the beginning of the new year in some Hindu calendars.
How is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People clean their homes, decorate them with lamps and colourful rangoli designs, and exchange gifts. Fireworks, sweets, and traditional prayers are also a significant part of the celebrations.
What are the traditional Diwali sweets?
Some popular Diwali sweets include ladoos, jalebi, gulab jamun, barfi, and rasgulla. These sweets are often homemade and shared with family and friends.
Why are lamps and candles lit during Diwali?
Lighting lamps and candles during Diwali symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil. It is believed to invite positive energy and dispel negativity.
Are there regional variations in Diwali celebrations?
Yes, Diwali celebrations can vary by region and community. For example, in North India, Diwali is associated with the return of Lord Rama, while in South India, it is celebrated as the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.
Is Diwali only celebrated by Hindus?
While Diwali is primarily a Hindu festival, it is also celebrated by Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. Each community may have its own unique customs and significance for the festival.
Is there a specific dress code for Diwali?
There is no strict dress code for Diwali, but many people choose to wear new or traditional clothing. Women often wear sarees or colourful suits, while men may wear kurta-pyjamas or traditional attire.
Is the lighting of fireworks an essential part of Diwali?
Fireworks have traditionally been a part of Diwali celebrations, but there is a growing awareness of their environmental impact and safety concerns. Many people now choose to celebrate Diwali with eco-friendly alternatives and by avoiding fireworks.
What are some common greetings for Diwali?
Common Diwali greetings include “Happy Diwali,” “Shubh Deepavali,” and “Diwali Mubarak.” These greetings are exchanged when wishing friends and family well during the festival.
Can non-Hindus participate in Diwali celebrations?
Yes, Diwali is a festival of joy and togetherness, and people of all backgrounds are often welcome to participate in the celebrations, exchange greetings, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Are there any special prayers or rituals during Diwali?
Yes, many families perform special prayers and rituals during Diwali. Lighting diyas (lamps), visiting temples, and reciting religious texts are common practices to seek blessings and offer thanks.