Diwali Information
Diwali
Significance
Diwali is also known as Dipavali/Dipawali. Diwali is the biggest and the brightest festival in all of Hindu festivals. Diwali is marked by five days of celebrations.It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. In the lead-up to Diwali, people will prepare by cleaning, renovating, and decorating their homes and workplaces. During the Diwali people wear their finest clothes, illuminate the interior and exterior of their homes with diyas.
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| lanterns in Diwali |
The Diwali festival occurs in late October or early November. It falls on the (no moon day) of the Hindu month of Kartik –October/November, so it varies every year. Each of the five days in the festival of Diwali is marked with a different tradition. What remains constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment, and a sense of goodness.
The Origins of Diwali
The word Diwali is originated from the Sanskrit word meaning row of lights.
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As per the Hindu, Diwali is the day when Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in forests.The people danced and made merry and lit firecrackers to express their joy over his return. Many Hindus also believe that Goddess Lakshmi was born on Diwali during the "Samudra Manthan".It was on the night of Diwali when Goddess Lakshmi chose to stay with and wed Lord Vishnu.
Lord Krishna had battled a demon called Narakasura and emerged victorious. The people of the city were overjoyed and welcomed Krishna back with lamps in their hands.In Bengal, during Diwali Goddess Kali is worshipped, who is the Goddess of strength. In Jainism, Deepawali has the added significance of marking the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana. Lord Ganesha is also remembered as the symbol of new beginnings and worshipped on the day of Diwali.
Celebration
Diwali, known as the "Festival of Lights" is one of the most important Hindu festivals in India. Diwali is always celebrated on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik. Diwali is celebrated across India with great enthusiasm as it symbolises the victory of good over evil.
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The preparation for this grand festival starts much ahead with people cleaning their houses and offices. Then they decorate their places with flowers, lamps, lights and rangolis.The fifth day which celebrates on this occasion is as follows,
Day one:
This festival starts with Dhanteras, which celebrates and welcomes good luck, wealth and prosperity. On Dhanteras people buy jewellery and utensils because any kind of metal is believed to ward off bad luck and usher in wealth and prosperity.
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| Diwali Diya's |
Day two:
Day two is Naraka Chaturdasi.
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| demon Narakasura was destroyed by Lord Krishna and Kali |
North India considers Naraka Chaturdashi as “Choti Diwali” but in South India Naraka Chaturdashi is the main Deepavali. The demon Narakasura was destroyed by Lord Krishna and Kali on this day. On this day (tithi) the people takes an auspicious bath that's called Mangalsnan before sunrise. This day is celebrated with early morning rituals or puja.
Day three:
Day three is Lakshmi Puja.Goddess Lakshmi is referred to as the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. The festival falls on Amavasya of Krishna Paksha.
It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi visits her devotees and bestows blessings and gifts on them.
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| Goddess Lakshmi |
Day four:
Day four is Govardhan Puja. This festival is also known as Annakut or Annakoot means “a mountain of food.”Frequently celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the god of thunder and rain, and also the start of a new year.
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| Happy Govardhan puja |
On this day devotees prepare and offer various types of vegetarian food to the idols of Parmatma (God) to show their gratitude.
Day five: Day five is Bhai Dooj.
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| Bhai Dooj celebration |
A day for celebrating the bond between siblings. This wonderful festival is an important occasion where sisters pray to God for the longevity, well-being and prosperity of their beloved brother. This is a day of sharing food and gifts.
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| Sweets plate |
Every house would be decorated with lights, colorful arts in front of the house with color powder on the occasion of Diwali. At night, people prefer bursting colorful crackers and rockets.They light crackers and fireworks to show their happiness and joy. The best way to enjoy Diwali night is by watching the night sky to spot beautiful burst of colors.
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