Diwali, also known as Divali, is an annual festival observed by millions of people worldwide in late October or early November. It is said to be the most important festival in India. It is celebrated by four different religious sects, including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists.
Let’s learn more about this religious festival.
What Diwali means
Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali.” It means a row (avali) of lamps (deepa). While other practices differ among religious groups and regions, people celebrate the festival by lighting lamps in their homes, temples, offices, and other buildings. Diwali is also known as the “Festival of Lights.”
The history of Diwali
The origin and history of Diwali differ between religions and states in India due to the rich cultural heritage each group possesses.
Diwali in Hinduism
Diwali is celebrated primarily by the Hindus.
While the festival’s significance and importance vary in India’s different regions, its main themes revolve around the triumph of good over evil, hope over despair, and awareness over ignorance.
- Northern India: People commemorate King Rama’s return to Ayodha Nagri after being exiled for 14 years and after defeating Ravana, the King of Lanka. People light rows of Diyas (clay lamps) around the village to light their path going home and honor their return.
- Southern India: People celebrate the triumph of Lord Krishna over the demon, Narakasura.
- Western India: People remember the day Lord Vishnu sent King Bali, the demon, to the nether world.
Diwali in Jainism
The Jains, or the followers of Jainism, commemorate Diwali in remembrance of Lord Mahavir, their supreme preacher. It was during Diwali that Lord Mahavir attained enlightenment in the presence of many gods, illuminating the darkness in his surroundings.
Diwali in Sikhism
For the Sikhs, they remember the “Bandhi Chhor Divas” and commemorate it during the Diwali festival. The event was celebrated when their 6th Sikh Guru, Hargobind Sahib, was freed with 52 other Hindu kings, who Mughal Emperor Jahangir imprisoned.
Diwali in Buddhism
Diwali is observed by some Buddhists, particularly the “Newar,” a group of Buddhists in Nepal. They commemorate the day Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism in the third century BCE. His conversion was essential for them as he was primarily responsible for Buddhism’s continuous spread worldwide.
What countries celebrate Diwali
While India is known for the celebration, other countries with Hindu and Indian populations also celebrate the festival the lights. These include Indonesia, Fiji, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Mauritius.
When Diwali is celebrated
Diwali typically falls in late October or late November.
It is a 5-day celebration that starts from the third day of the lunar month, Ashvina’s dark half, to the second day of the lunar month, Kartika’s light half.
Why Diwali is celebrated
Diwali is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India and is also known as the Festival of Lights. It is usually celebrated in the month of October or November every year, and the exact date is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar.
Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a 14-year-long exile and after defeating the demon king Ravana. It is believed that the people of Ayodhya welcomed them back by lighting diyas (clay lamps) to guide them on their way and to symbolize the victory of good over evil, light over darkness.
Apart from this, Diwali is also celebrated as the day when Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is worshipped. It is believed that on this day, Lakshmi enters the homes of devotees who have prepared themselves for her arrival by cleaning their homes and decorating them with flowers, lights, and rangolis. People also buy new clothes, offer prayers, and share sweets and gifts with family and friends during the festival.
Overall, Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair, and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by people of all ages and backgrounds.
Diwali 2022 celebration
This year, the Diwali 5 days celebration is celebrated on October 22 to 26. The Diwali festival will be on October 24. On this day, government and private offices in India, such as government offices, schools, and banks, will be closed.
Highlight: Diwali Part 1
To learn more about the celebration, watch the video below by TransCultural Group.
Diwali 5 days of celebration
The Diwali 5-day celebration this year includes the following:
- Dhanteras-Saturday, 22 October 2022 – Festival of Purchasing Gold and Metals
- Choti Diwali – Sunday, 23 October 2022 – Decorations and Making Rangolis
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) – Monday, 24 October 2022 – Festival of Lights and diyas
- Govardhan Puja – Tuesday, 25 October 2022 – Offer prayers to Lord Goverdhan (Shri Krishna)
- Bhai Dooj – Wednesday, 26 October 2022 – Celebration of brothers and sisters
How is Diwali this year celebrated
Day 1: People tidy their homes and prepare for the festivities on the festival’s first day. Additionally, the first day is a bustling shopping day as buying gold and new kitchen utensils is regarded lucky to bring good fortune.
Day 2: On the second day, people decorate their homes with clay lamps, string lights, and rangolis. Rangolis are elaborate floor patterns people make using colored sand or powder.
Day 3: This is the day when the Diwali festival takes place. People light “diyas” or clay oil lamps. They perform rituals to worship the goddess Lakshmi in temples or at their homes by creating a worship table with red cloth, the idol, flowers, fruits, and sweets. People get together with their families on this day to exchange gifts and share meals. It is one of the special occasions when parents can bond with their children.
Day4: The fourth day of the festival celebrates the love between husbands and wives. Husbands often buy gifts for their wives. On the first day of the season, people visit their relatives and friends with gifts and warm wishes. People also believe opening new accounts for their businesses during this day is favorable.
Day 5: The fifth and last day of the festival celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters usually perform a special rite to give their brothers protection. Brothers, on the other hand, present gifts to their sisters.
Highlight: Diwali Part 2
To learn more about the celebration, watch the video below by TransCultural Group.
Diwali outfit ideas
Putting on new clothes for the Festival of Lights is part of the tradition. While you don’t need to buy fancy expensive ones, you need to dress and look for the occasion. Here are some fantastic Diwali outfit ideas you can consider, including kurta sets, lehenga-cholis, Kurtis, and sarees.
Diwali outfits for children
Below are traditional clothing ideas children can wear during the celebration. Comfortable clothes include lehenga-choli for the girls and kurta for the boys.
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