Diwali is one of the most beautiful celebrations the world has to offer, but what are the celebrations for and how is it celebrated around the world? Here's everything you need to know about the diwali- the festival of lights.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, also known as Divali or Deepawali, is the biggest holidays celebrated over 5 days in many parts of India by different people including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Muslims and some Buddhists. It is also called the “festival of lights”.
Many Hindus celebrate Diwali by lighting small oil lamps called "diyas" in honor of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune. The lamps signify the triumph of light over darkness and evil.
When is Diwali 2022?
Diwali is a five day celebration and it falls on a different date each autumn, timed to lunar calendar of the Hindu but usually falls during October and November. Diwali falls on Monday, October 24, 2022.
How is Diwali celebrated?
The Diwali festival lasts for five days. On the first day, Dhanteras, celebrates Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, youth and beauty. On this first day, people buy new items such as jewelry, clothes, utensils and lamps for Lakshmi to welcome.
The second day, known as Chhoti Diwali, Naraka Chaturdasi or Kali Chaudas, is dedicated to a story from Hindu mythology about the god Krishna and his defeat of the demon god Narakasura. On this day, some people turned on twinkling lights to celebrate his victory.
The third day, known as Diwali, Deepawali or Lakshmi Puja, is the main day of the Diwali festival. On this day, people visit family and friends to celebrate and exchange sweets and gifts. People also continue to light lamps and candles to welcome the light and prosperity of the goddess Lakshmi.
On the fourth day, known as Govardhan Puja or Padva, some people in northern India build small piles of cow dung which signify of how Krishna conquered the king of the Hindu gods -Indra, by lifting a mountain.
The fifth day, known as Bhai Dooj or Yama Dwitiva, is a day when brothers and sisters honor each other. The brothers perform a ceremony called tilak and pray for each other.
The Significance of Diwali
Each Diwali festival ritual has a meaning and a story behind it. Diwali represent the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali's lights indicate a time to destroy all our dark desires and thoughts, wrecked dark shadows and evil, and give us the strength and perseverance to carry on our goodwill for the rest of the year.
Diwali is a celebration that unites people from all corners of the country regardless of religion and caste. It is a time when people hug each other with joy and laughter. The festival is celebrated with an air of conviviality and exudes an aura of purity.
May this Diwali filled your heart with love and happiness, blessings and prosperity. Wishing you a Happy Diwali 2022 from 11ic to yours!
Comments