Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a famous festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists worldwide. Diwali in 2024 will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31, 2024. It is called the "Festival of Lights" and symbolises the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar, which changes each year. Diwali is not just one day but a five-day celebration, starting with Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj.
The story behind the Diwali celebration:
The most well-known story of Diwali comes from the epic Ramayana. It tells the story of Lord Rama, who returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. During his exile, Rama defeated the demon king Ravana, representing the triumph of good over evil. The people of Ayodhya lit lamps (called diyas) to celebrate Rama's return.
In other traditions, Diwali is a day to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune. People believe that she brings blessings of prosperity on this particular night. Jains celebrate Diwali to mark Lord Mahavira's spiritual enlightenment. Sikhs remember the day Guru Hargobind was freed from prison.
Diwali Celebration:
Diwali is a festival that fills homes and streets with bright lights, colourful decorations, and joyful celebrations. It's not just about religious rituals but also decorating spaces, exchanging gifts, and spreading happiness.
Diwali Crackers:
Bursting crackers is a popular part of Diwali celebrations. As night comes, fireworks light up the sky, adding to the joyful atmosphere. Families come together to enjoy the fun, setting off sparklers and colourful fireworks. While it’s a time of happiness, many people now choose eco-friendly crackers to celebrate Diwali in a way that’s better for the environment.
Diwali Gift:
There can be many gift ideas for Diwali, but exchanging personalised gifts is a common tradition that brings people closer. This usually includes Diwali sweets, dry fruits, clothes, home decor items, and personalised items like jewellery or gadgets. Gifts are exchanged between family members, friends, and colleagues as a gesture of love and goodwill. In modern times, eco-friendly gifts such as reusable items or potted plants are also becoming popular.
Diwali Rangoli Designs:
Rangoli is an art form where people create beautiful designs on the floor using coloured powders, rice, or flower petals. During Diwali, rangolis are made at the entrances of homes to welcome guests and deities, especially Goddess Lakshmi. Traditional rangoli designs include geometric patterns, flowers, peacocks, and religious symbols like lotus and swastika. The vibrant colours in rangolis add to the festive spirit and make the surroundings lively and inviting.
Diwali Lamp:
Lighting diyas (oil lamps) is a significant part of Diwali celebrations. The Diwali lamp represents the removal of darkness and the arrival of light, symbolising goodness and hope. These diyas are often made from clay and filled with oil and a cotton wick. People light them inside and outside their homes, in doorways, windows, and balconies. The soft glow of the diyas creates a serene and sacred atmosphere, and their warmth is believed to drive away negative energies.
Diwali Light Decoration:
Besides diyas, Diwali decorations also include vibrant light displays. Homes are adorned with strings of electric lights, also called fairy lights or LED lights, hung across windows, doorways, and even on trees and plants. These colourful lights illuminate entire neighbourhoods, giving the surroundings a magical feel. In some places, lanterns and large light structures are also set up, adding to the grandeur of the festival.
Top 10 facts about Diwali:
- Festival of Lights: Diwali is widely known as the "Festival of Lights" because millions of lamps (diyas) are lit during the celebration, symbolising the victory of light over darkness.
- Multi-day Celebration: Diwali is celebrated over five days, each with significance. These days include Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.
- Global Festival: Diwali is celebrated not just in India but also in countries with large Indian communities, such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, and the USA.
- Religious Significance: Diwali has different meanings for different religions. Hindus celebrate Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya, Jains commemorate Lord Mahavira’s spiritual enlightenment, Sikhs mark Guru Hargobind’s release from prison, and some Buddhists observe Diwali in honour of Emperor Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism.
- Lakshmi Puja: On the third day of Diwali, the primary festival day, people worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Homes and businesses are cleaned and decorated to welcome her blessings.
- Business Tradition: Diwali marks the beginning of the new financial year for many businesses in India, especially in the trading community.
- Fireworks Tradition: Firecrackers and fireworks are traditionally burst during Diwali to celebrate and signify the victory of good over evil. However, many people now opt for eco-friendly celebrations due to environmental concerns.
- Most significant Shopping Season: Diwali is the biggest shopping season in India, much like Christmas in other countries. People buy new clothes, jewellery, home items, and gifts during this time.
- Significance of Rangolis: Rangolis, colourful designs created on floors, welcome deities and bring good luck and positivity into homes.
- Public Holiday: Diwali is a public holiday in India and many other countries, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Let the festival fill your homes with light and your hearts with joy. This five-day celebration brings the warmth of togetherness, the delight of festive traditions, and the victory of good over evil. May your Diwali be filled with beautiful rangoli, glowing lamps, delicious sweets, and cherished moments with loved ones. Wishing you a bright and joyful Diwali 2024. May the light of Diwali guide you to peace, prosperity, and happiness.
