What is Diwali and why is it celebrated? Learn about this holiday
Find out what Diwali is, the most important celebration in India. Where does it come from? What customs are practiced? Find out more here.
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November is the month of Diwali in the Hindu world; worldwide, it is known as the ” festival of lights “. But have you ever wondered what Diwali is and why it is celebrated ? Here we tell you.
Diwali, or the festival of lights, is derived from the Sanskrit word “dipavali” , meaning “row of lights” , hence its fame for the sparkling clay lamps placed in front of the homes of those celebrating this festival.
Diwali begins before the arrival of a new moon between the Hindu months of Asvina and Kartika , usually occurring between the months of October and November in the Gregorian calendar. This year, Diwali will begin on October 31 and end on November 1.
Origin of Diwali
The origin of the Diwali festival comes from the harvest festival , but nowadays it groups many festivals into one celebration, including the beginning of the New Year . Other origins and related festivals are the Ganesha festival , an elephant-headed god who is a symbol of good omen and wisdom, worshipped these days by most Hindu households.
Diwali marks the day when Prince Rama and his wife Sita , incarnations of the gods Vishnu and Lakshmi respectively, return to their kingdom after 14 years in exile. In the west of the country, Diwali also celebrates the day when Vishnu sent the demon Bali to rule the underworld.
Further south, the date refers to Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, while for others it marks the birthday of the goddess of prosperity.
Just as Diwali legends vary from region to region, the rituals also differ. However, most of them share common elements such as the abundance of sweets, family gatherings and the lighting of clay lamps , which symbolize the inner light that protects each home from spiritual darkness.
What unites most people is the abundance of sweets, family gatherings and the lighting of clay lamps that symbolize the inner light that protects each home from spiritual darkness.
@dharmic.status
This festival has become the most important celebration in India. It is accompanied by fireworks, which are a fundamental part of the celebrations, especially in New Delhi, where the festivities are immense.
