Indian Festivals: Diwali
Though known by different Rama over Ravana, or the orces "good" over the forces of "evil". Large effigies of the ten-headed Ravana, the king of Lanka who abducted Rama's wife, Sita, and was subsequently vanquished in battle, are burnt as the sun goes down; on either side of him are the slightly smaller effigies of Meghnada, the son of Ravana, and Kumbhakarna, the full brother of Ravana whose name has become a household word in India for lethargy and laziness. (It is said that Kumbhakarna slept for six months and would then stay awake for a full day, no doubt to replenish himself.)
Lighting Diwali candles.
Diwali oil lamps. Photo: Shrikrishna Pundoor.
Diwali display in a hotel. Photo: ravikiranr.
Diwali lights in Varanasi.
Mangalore temples at Diwali. Photo: David G.
Diwali fireworks. Photo: Sumith Meher.
Earthenware Diwali lamp. Photo: teraroop11.
Building in Hyderabad at Diwali. Photo: TigerPuppala.
This is perhaps the most well-known of the Indian festivals: it is celebrated throughout India, as well as in Indian communities throughout the diaspora. It usually takes place eighteen days after Dusshera. It is colloquially known as the "festival of lights", for the common practice is to light small oil lamps (called diyas) and place them around the home, in courtyards, verandahs, and gardens, as well as on roof-tops and outer walls. In urban areas, especially, candles are substituted for diyas; and among the nouveau riche, neon lights are made to substitute for candles. The celebration of the festival is invariably accompanied by the exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country. In north India, Diwali celebrates Rama's homecoming, that is his return to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king; in Gujarat, the festival honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; and in Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali. Everywhere, it signifies the renewal of life, and accordingly it is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival; similarly, it heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season.
Dussehra
The effigies of Ravana and Meghnada in the community park at Sheikh Sarai, south Delhi. Ravana and his companions are proceeding in a float atop a truck, and he is shown taking a swig from a Pepsi bottle: evil finds evil! The truck winds its way through the streets of Sheikh Sarai, a community in south Delhi; when it arrives at the local park, Ravana will be engaged in battle with Rama and be defeated. The effigies are burnt at sunset.
Though known by different Rama over Ravana, or the orces "good" over the forces of "evil". Large effigies of the ten-headed Ravana, the king of Lanka who abducted Rama's wife, Sita, and was subsequently vanquished in battle, are burnt as the sun goes down; on either side of him are the slightly smaller effigies of Meghnada, the son of Ravana, and Kumbhakarna, the full brother of Ravana whose name has become a household word in India for lethargy and laziness. (It is said that Kumbhakarna slept for six months and would then stay awake for a full day, no doubt to replenish himself.)
The festival lasts ten days, and most communities celebrate it with great fanfare. During the festival, the Ramleela, or the story of Rama, is enacted by professional dance companies and amateur troupes. On the last day of the festival, young men and small boys, dressed as Rama, his brother Lakshman, Ravana, and other players in the drama, proceed through the streets of the community as part of a float that is sometimes quite elaborate. Rama and Ravana engage in battle; Ravana is defeated.
Then Rama fires an arrow into the huge effigies of Meghnada and Kumbhakarna, stuffed -- as is the effigy of Ravana -- with crackers and explosives; finally an arrow is shot into Ravana's effigy, to the encouraging shouts of "Ramchandra ki jai", "Victory to Rama", and a large explosion ripples through the sky. In Bengal, Dusshera is celebrated as Durga Puja. Idols of the goddess Durga are worshipped for nine days, and on the tenth day immersed in a body of water, such as a river or pond. In Mysore, caparisoned elephants lead a colorful procession through the streets of the city.
Quick Facts : Diwali
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According to other legend, Pandavas from the Mahabharata returned to their homeland after 13 years and the day is celebrated to commemorate their return. The Sikhs celebrate this day to mark the day of freedom or the day when their Guru, Guru Hargobind got free from the jail. The Jains celebrate this day as they believe that Lord Mahavira attained enlightenment on this day. There are still other theories associated with Diwali such as the rising of Goddess Lakshmi from the sea, the killing of Narkasura by Lord Vishnu and birth of Goddess Kali. The event is largely celebrated in India. Indians celebrate this day as the start of the new business year. People light up their homes 2-3 days prior to the festival and gifts are exchanged between friends and families. On the night of the festival, prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi which is followed by bursting of fire crackers eating of sweets and other gourmet food. However, people refrain from meat and alcohol on this day. Of late, a lot of clubs have started organizing special parties on Diwali for the young generation. Although Diwali is largely an Indian festival, it is widely celebrated in other countries as well such as Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Nepal, Myanmar, Maurititus and Fiji. In fact, Diwali is a national holiday in each of these countries. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diwali Observances | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
India holidays celebrated in year 2014
Diwali/Deepavali in IndiaQuick FactsDiwaliFollowers of Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism observe various customs related to Diwali.
Beautiful sky lanterns made of colorful cloth for sale for the Diwali festival in India.
©iStockphoto.com/thefinalmiracle
What do people do?
Diwali celebrations may last for up to five days. Many people decorate their home and workplaces with tiny electric lights or small clay oil lamps. Bowls of water with candles and flowers floating on the surface are also popular decorations.
Many people make a special effort to clean their homes and yards before Diwali. They may also wash themselves with water and fragrant oils, wear new clothes and give gifts of sweets to family members, close friends and business associates. Fireworks are set off in the evening in some areas. Melas (fairs) are held in many towns and villages.
People in different regions in India may celebrate Diwali on various dates. This is because traditional lunar calendars can be interpreted in different ways. For example, Deepavali in Tamil Nadu is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aipasi.
Public life
Government offices, post offices and banks are closed in India on Diwali. Stores and other businesses and organizations may be closed or have reduced opening hours. Transport is usually unaffected as many locals travel for religious celebrations. However those wishing to use public transport on the day should check with the local transport authorities on public transit schedules.
Background
Deepawali or Diwali is a festival of lights symbolizing the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. The word “Deepawali” refers to rows of diyas, or clay lamps. This is one of the most popular festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartika, according to the Hindu calendar. This festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile. The myths around Rama and Ravana are told during another holiday, known as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami.
The Goddess Lakshmi was Vishnu’s consort and she symbolizes wealth and prosperity. She is also worshipped on Diwali. This festival is celebrated in West Bengal as "Kali Puja", and Kali, Shiva's consort, is worshipped during Diwali. The Diwali festival in southern India often commemorates the conquering of the Asura Naraka, a king of Assam who imprisoned many people. It is believed that Krishna freed the prisoners.
Many Buddhists in India mark anniversary of the Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism around the time of Diwali. Many scholars believe that Ashoka lived between 270BCE and 232 BCE. Many people who observe Jainism mark the anniversary of Mahavira's (or Lord Mahavir) attainment of nirvana on October 15, 527 BCE. Mahavira established the central spiritual ideas of Jainism. Many Jains celebrate the Festival of Lights in his honor.
Bandi Chhorh Divas, which is the Sikh celebration of the sixth Nanak's (Guru Har Gobind) return from detention in the Gwalior Fort, coincides with Diwali. This coincidence has resulted in the similarity of celebrating the day among many Sikhs and Hindus.
Symbols
Electric lights, small oil lamps made of clay and flames are important Diwali symbols. They represent both physical and spiritual aspects of light.
About Diwali/Deepavali in other countriesRead more about Diwi/Depvali.Diwali/Deepavali ObservancesNote: During a gazetted holiday, government offices and most businesses are closed so people have a day off work.
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2014 Diwali Calendar, Deepavali Calendar
Diwali which is also known as Deepawali is the most famous festival of the year. Diwali is the five days festivity period which begins on Dhanteras and ends on Bhaiya Dooj. However, in Maharashtra Diwali festivity begins one day earlier on Govatsa Dwadashi.
During five days festivity various rituals are followed and with Goddess Lakshmi several other Gods and Goddesses are worshipped. However Goddess Lakshmi is the most significant deity during Diwali Puja. The new moon day, which is known as Amavasya, is the most significant day of five days Diwali festivities and known as Lakshmi Puja, Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja and Diwali Puja.
Diwali Puja is done not only in families but also in offices. Diwali Puja is the significant day for the most traditional Hindu businessmen. On this day, ink bottle, pens and new account books are worshipped. Ink bottle and pen, which are called Davat (दावात) and Lekhani (लेखनी) respectively, are sanctified by worshipping Goddess Maha Kali on them. New account books, which are called Bahi-Khate (बही-खाते), are sanctified by worshipping Goddess Saraswati on them.
The most auspicious time to do Diwali Puja is after sunset. The time period after sunset is known as Pradosh. The day of Diwali Puja is decided when Amavasya Tithi prevails during Pradosh. Hence no otherDiwali Puja Muhurat is as good as Puja Muhurat during Pradosh even if it is available for one Ghati (approximately 24 minutes).
Diwali which is also known as Deepawali is the most famous festival of the year. Diwali is the five days festivity period which begins on Dhanteras and ends on Bhaiya Dooj. However, in Maharashtra Diwali festivity begins one day earlier on Govatsa Dwadashi.
During five days festivity various rituals are followed and with Goddess Lakshmi several other Gods and Goddesses are worshipped. However Goddess Lakshmi is the most significant deity during Diwali Puja. The new moon day, which is known as Amavasya, is the most significant day of five days Diwali festivities and known as Lakshmi Puja, Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja and Diwali Puja.
The most auspicious time to do Diwali Puja is after sunset. The time period after sunset is known as Pradosh. The day of Diwali Puja is decided when Amavasya Tithi prevails during Pradosh. Hence no otherDiwali Puja Muhurat is as good as Puja Muhurat during Pradosh even if it is available for one Ghati (approximately 24 minutes).
This year Diwali is on 2014-10-23
Welcome to the festival of Diwali, the biggest festival of India. Also known as Deepavali or Dewali, it is celebrated across the length and breadth of India by almost all the communities. The history of Diwali dates back to pre historic times, and there are multiple theories of its origin. Today, it is celebrated for five days. The celebration involves cooking, meeting friends and relatives, taking blessings, performing pujas, buying mettalic objects, gifting, lighting up houses with diyas or decorative lights, decoration of homes, and, definitely, bursting of fire crackers.This year Diwali is on 2014-10-23.
Diwali Facts
Diwali or Deepavali, the ‘festival of light’ signifies the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. India, being a diverse multi-cultural country, has varied interpretations of Diwali. Though the history, rituals and deities may vary as we move across the country, but the essence of the festival remains the same. The festival of lights is emblematic of the elimination of spiritual darkness. Diwali is the occasion to let the light of God, enter our hearts and minds while eliminating all the ignorance and unpleasantness within. So, enrich your knowledge by learning some interesting facts about the ‘festival of lights’, Diwali given herein.
Interesting Facts & Trivia About Diwali
Interesting Facts & Trivia About Diwali
- Diwali is the largest and most famous holiday celebrated in India. It marks the Hindu New Year.
- In Northern India, with the diminishing use of Sanskrit, the word ‘Deepavali’ got contracted to Diwali.
- Diwali is generally associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
- Diwali is celebrated over a period of five days beginning in late Ashwin and ending in early Kartik.
- In South India, Diwali is referred to as ‘Deepavali’ while Narakasura Vadha is the main celebration day.
- In Hinduism, Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama after a 14 year exile according to North Indian traditions but down south, the death of the evil Narakasura at the hands of Lord Krishna is the main reason behind celebrating Diwali.
- In Malaysia, Diwali is celebrated as ‘Hari Diwali’ in the month of Aswayuja. It is a national public holiday in Malaysia.
- Diwali is also celebrated in Nepal and is referred to as ‘Tihar’ or ‘Swanti’. On the fourth day, the Hindu God of death, Yama is worshipped for a longer life of the people.
- Diwali is celebrated as ‘Kali Puja’ in West Bengal by worshipping Goddess Kali.
- Diwali is one of the oldest rituals for Kashmiri Pundits. There is mention of Diwali celebrations in the Nilmat Puran, and is referred to as ‘Sukhssuptika’ which literally means ‘to sleep with happiness’.
- Diwali celebrations in Orissa have a unique traditional practice of calling upon the spirits of their dead ancestors. They burn jute stems to shed light on the dark path of the spirits on their way to heaven.
- Gambling during Diwali is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the year ahead.
- Diwali marks the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. Farmers thank the deities for the harvest they had and pray for a prosperous harvesting season in the upcoming year.
- Diwali is also a significant festival for the Sikhs since 1577 as the foundation stone of the Golden Temple was laid on the day of Diwali.
- The business community celebrates Diwali by opening new accounting books. Diwali marks the beginning of the new financial year; hence, traders and businessman start it by offering prayers to Lord Ganesha.
- Lord Mahavira attained his Moksha or Nirvana on the day of Diwali, and so the Jain community in India celebrates the next day of Diwali as New Year’s Day.
- “Shubh Deepavali” is a customary greeting associated with Diwali, which literally means “Have an auspicious Diwali”.
Diwali
What is Diwali?
Lighting Diwali candles.
Diwali, from the Sanskrit word Dīpãvali, meaning "row of lights" is a Hindu festival of lights lasting five days. For many Hindus, Diwali is also New Year's Eve. Diwali is held on the final day of the Vikram calendar, a type of Hindu calendar followed by North Indians. The next day, called Annakut, is New Year's Day for North Indians. Diwali is in October and Novemeber on the Gregorian Calendar. (See Hinduism Beliefs here.)
Go here to learn about Hindu symbols and here for Hinduism Facts.
Diwali in the East and West
The Hindu calendar is lunar, with most years consisting of 12 lunar cycles and an extra month inserted about every seven years to resynchronize the calendar. Diwali is celebrated for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina, to the second day of the light half of Karttika. On the Gregorian calendar, Diwali falls in October or November, and always on a new moon day. Since the new moon falls on different Gregorian dates depending on geographical location, the date of Diwali can also depend on one's location. (See exact dates below.)
Dates for Diwali
Diwali oil lamps. Photo: Shrikrishna Pundoor.
Diwali display in a hotel. Photo: ravikiranr.
Diwali lights in Varanasi.
Mangalore temples at Diwali. Photo: David G.
Diwali fireworks. Photo: Sumith Meher.
Earthenware Diwali lamp. Photo: teraroop11.
Building in Hyderabad at Diwali. Photo: TigerPuppala.
- October 23, 2014
- November 11, 2015
- October 30, 2016
- October 19, 2017
- November 7, 2018
Meaning and Rituals of Diwali
Diwali is celebrated with a variety of rituals, which depend in large part on one's location, but they center on the lighting of candles, electric lights and fireworks. The “row of lights” for which the festival is named are lit on the new-moon night to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. But in Bengal, it is the goddess Kali who is so honored, and in North India the festival also celebrates the return of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman to the city of Ayodhya, where Rama's rule of righteousness was inaugurated.
Throughout the five-day festival, small earthenware lamps filled with oil are lighted and placed in rows along the tops of temples and houses and set adrift on rivers and streams.
Gambling is encouraged during the Diwali season as a way of ensuring good luck for the coming year and in remembrance of the games of dice played by the Lord Shiva and Parvati on Mount Kailasa or between Radha and Krishna. In honour of Lakshmi, the female player always wins during Diwali.
The fourth day — the main day of Diwali and the beginning of the lunar month of Karttika — marks the beginning of the new year according to the Vikrama calendar. On this day, merchants perform religious ceremonies and open new account books. It is generally a time for visiting, exchanging gifts, cleaning and decorating houses, feasting, setting off fireworks displays, and wearing new clothes.
Regional Variation
In South India, which uses the Shalivahana calendar, Diwali does not coincide with the beginning of a new year. In South India, the new year (Ugadi), is followed by persons in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Vishu and Varsha Pirappu are celebrated in Kerala and Tamil Nadu respectively. These festivals occur at about the same time, generally during April. [1] [2]
In England, the days are Dhanteras, Narak Chatrudashi, Lakshmi-Puja, the most important day, Padwa or Varshapratipanda and Bhaiya Dooj or the Teeka Ceremony [3]. In Trinidad and Tobago, the day of Divali is a public holiday and celebrations precede the Lakshmi-Puja day for almost two weeks. This event is one of the foremost religious observances for the country.
Diwali in Other Religions
The Diwali season is also significant to Sikhs. During the festival time in 1620, the sixth Guru, Hargobind Singh, gained the release of 52 Hindu princes who had been falsely imprisoned in Gwallior Fort by the rulers of the area, the Mughals. The Golden Temple of Amritsar was lit with many lights to welcome the release of Guru Hargobind; Sikhs have continued the tradition. (See Sikhism here.)
Jains also celebrate Diwali, as a celebration of the establishment of the dharma by Lord Mahavira. The festival's lights symbolizes the light of holy knowledge that was extinguished with Mahavira's passing. (Learn more about Jainism here.)
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