What is Diwali?
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is biggest festival of Indians and all those who love Indian culture. Spiritually it signifies the ‘victory of light over darkness’.
Diwali 2021
- Dhanteras – 2 Nov 2021
- Narka Chaudashi – 3 Nov 2021
- Diwali – 4 Nov 2021
- Govardhan Puja – 5 Nov 2021
- Bhai Dooj – 6 Nov 2021
Lakshmi Puja Muhurt – 18:10:29 pm – 20:06:20
What is called Diwali in English?
Diwali literally translates into a festival of lights. The Festival of light signifies new beginnings, light over darkness, good over evil, purity over impurity.
There are 5 simple yet life illuminating messages:
- A Brand New Beginning: Diwali marks the beginning of a new Hindu New Year. It rejuvenates us with a sense of freshness and renewed enthusiasm.
- Light over Darkness: It is the celebration of the triumph of good over evil, as depicted in the story of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. We remind ourselves that no matter how much difficult things might seem, the forces of good will always be triumphant in the end.
- Spiritual Wealth: It is also the day when people practice faith in the ability of God to bless them with wealth: The greatest wealth one can possess is spiritual wealth, sincerity and faith.
- Dispelling Darkness and Ignorance: It is also a time to clean our minds by dropping all negative baggage from the past.Â
- Appreciating Family: it is the time when the whole family gets together for the festival. We work together, pray together and appreciate each other.
Diwali marks the beginning of a new Hindu New Year. It rejuvenates us with a sense of freshness and renewed enthusiasm.
How do Hindus celebrate Diwali?
Diwali is not just about lights and legends –– Diwali is a time to have fun with friends and family! People exchange gifts and sweets, enjoy delicious feasts, watch firework displays and wear new clothes.
It’s a time to clean and decorate your home, too. Homes and buildings are also decorated with rangoli decorations made with flowers, colored sand or even colored rice, flour or spices.Â
When and where does Diwali happen?
Diwali falls in the month of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar as per the English calendar Diwali falls in the month of October or November.
How do Indians celebrate Diwali?
Before Diwali homes and offices are cleaned and are decorated with the different kinds of light and earthen Pots.
The row of lights has different meanings in various states.
- In North India, it is celebrated for the return of Lord Rama who was the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Sita, Laxman and Hanuman from the 14 years of exile to the city of Ayodhya.
- Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth is also worshipped on the day.
- In Bengal Goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil is worshipped
- The Sikhs celebrate Guru Har Gobind’s return from detention in Gwalior Fort
- Some even believe that the deceased relatives come back to visit their families on earth during this festival and The Lights are a way to guide the spirit home.
What are the 5 days of Diwali?
Diwali is a five day festival that straddles the new phase of the moon. Though widely celebrated across all of India, the day may have different names and have additional meanings in some parts of India, there’s enough commonality to briefly describe each of the days:
- Dhanteras
- Narka Chaudas (Chhoti Diwali)
- Diwali
- Govardhan Puja
- Bhaidooj
What is the meaning of dhanteras?
Dhanteras marks the start of the five-day festivities of Diwali. On this day people wash/clean their houses, so that they are able to welcome in Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, whose Puja takes place in the evening.
Naraka Chaturdashi
In Hindu tradition the demon Narkasur was killed by the Lord Krishna. In some regions of India it is also marked as the end of the Hindu calendar year.
What is the story behind Diwali?
The third day is well known on the new phase of the moon in Kartik. In most parts of India, this can be the foremost important day of the festival and is the last day of the year in many regions of India. On this day, Lord Rama rescued his wife, Sita, from the demon Ravana and returned home after an extended exile of 14 years. Candles are lit to celebrate his victory, and to light his way home after the battle. Within the evening, it’s going to seem to be the entire of India is lit by explosions as people go off many fireworks.
Govardhan Puja
Fourth day is the first day of the new Hindu year. Also known as Pratipada, Govardhan Puja or Annakut means ‘Mountain of food’. On this day, Hindus prepare a great deal of food and take it to the temples to celebrate the beginning of the new year and give thanks to Krishna for his benevolence.
Bhai Dooj
The Last day of Diwali is celebrated as Bhai Dooj, which is the fifth day of Diwali festival. This day is for the celebration of the relationship between brother and sister.
Symbolic representation electric lights, small oil lamps made of clay and flames are important Diwali symbols. They represent both physical and spiritual aspects of light.
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