Diwali

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What is Diwali?

Diwali, also known by the name of Deepavali is a 5 day long ancestral Hindu festival celebrated by Hindu’s as well as Sikhs and Jains all over the world. This festival of lights is enjoyed by millions of people by variety of firework induction, worshiping, etc. The main occasion of this festival is seen on third day after the commencement of Diwali and also marks the start of New Year as per Hindu calendar. Just like Dussehra, 

When is Diwali?

Diwali falls between October and November and it’s cause of celebration roots back to the Hindu festival Dussehra on which victory of good over evil took place.

Story:

The reason for the celebration of Diwali is the return of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman to Ayodhya after their victory over 10 headed demon Ravanna. When they returned Ayodhya in the evening, the people of that kingdom lightened the earthen lamps as an act of happiness and gratitude towards their return and afterwards till date the festival of Diwali is celebrated with great zeal and zest, majorly focusing on the lighting up of whole Hindu kingdom via fireworks, decoration lamps, etc. The five days of Diwali are celebrated in following prototype.

Diwali Celebrations:

1st day of Diwali falls on the 13^thday of full moon (Poornima) and is known by the name of Dhanteras, whereas “dhan” means wealth and “teras” means 13. On this day, Hindu people worship the goddess of wealth (Lakshmi).  However at some places, God of Death, Yamaraj is also committed to memory by keeps the lamps burning over night.

 2^ndday of the festival of lights is Chhoti Diwali often referred as “Narak Chaturdashi” marking the day of Lord Krishna on behalf of the fact that Lord Krishna destroyed Naraksur on this day. This tale also reflects the victory of good over evil just like destruction of Ravanna by Lord Rama.

3^rd day is the actual occasion of Diwali and this is the day on which firework displays are enjoyed, gifts are exchanged and sweets and ate and distributed all over the locality. The firework show is the most amazing thing to watch on this day after dinner.

4th Day: After Diwali, Padiwa, Govardhan   Puja is celebrated. It is referred to as Gorvandhan Puja because on this day, Lord Krishna lifted the whole Gorvardhan Parvat as an act of protection of Gokul residents from Indra.

The final day of this 5 day long festival of lights is known as Bhai Dooj and this day is for the renewal of lover between brothers and sisters. It’s celebrated by the application of holy red tilak on the forehead of brothers by the sisters. The sisters pray for the long life of their brothers while brothers also bless their sisters with gifts and blessings.

Blessings and Cleaning:

The major attractions seen on the occasion of Diwali are the lightning of candles and Diya’s in the houses, designing of colourful artwork of paints on the floor known as Rangoli, sharing of sweets, gifts and blessings between friends and families. The homes are cleaned few days before Diwali in order to welcome goddess Lakshmi in the homes.