Deepavali or Diwali is one Indian festival that is of deep historical significance for almost all the religious and ethnic groups in India. It would not be an exaggeration to call it the King of festivals in India. The splendor and gaiety associated with this festival is unmatched. The preparations start well in advance and celebrations are magnified by other festivals preceding or coming after the festival of Diwali.
The five days of the fetivities around Diwali include:
Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of the Kartik month according to the Hindu calendar. It generally arrives in October-November as per the Gregorian calendar. It is a day when there is no moon in the sky. There is darkness all over and the festival of lights-Diwali. Celebrating the festival by lighting candles and diyas (earthern lamps) on the dark and black night of Amavasya is symbolic of victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
There are several legends associated with the Deepavali festival. The most heard of them all is the legend of Lord Rama. The following table will enlighten you more about the historical significance of Diwali for various religions in India.
Deepavali Celebrations
Diwali celebrations in India are most elaborate beginning several days before the actual festival. It is believed that goddess Lakshmi herself visits and blesses people at Deepavali. So, cleaning the house to welcome the goddess is the first thing that strikes everyone. This is followed by frenzied shopping for new clothes and gifts for family and friends. Dhanteras a day before Diwali is the day when people specially buy new utensils. Houses are decorated in colorful lights making for a splendid view. On the day of Diwali people worship goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha (Gods of peace, prosperity and wealth).There is also a tradition of playing cards at the festival. The winner in the game of cards is blessed with victory in all the spheres of life for the coming year as per a popular belief. Bursting of crackers is favourite part of children about the Diwali celebrations. All you can hear in the streets on the eve of Diwali in India is the noise of crackers.
Last Updated on 09/19/2011
- Dhanteras
- Naraka Chaturdashi
- Diwali
- Govardhan Puja
- Bhaiya Dooj
When Deepavali is Celebrated
Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of the Kartik month according to the Hindu calendar. It generally arrives in October-November as per the Gregorian calendar. It is a day when there is no moon in the sky. There is darkness all over and the festival of lights-Diwali. Celebrating the festival by lighting candles and diyas (earthern lamps) on the dark and black night of Amavasya is symbolic of victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
History of Diwali
There are several legends associated with the Deepavali festival. The most heard of them all is the legend of Lord Rama. The following table will enlighten you more about the historical significance of Diwali for various religions in India.
| Community | Significance |
|---|---|
| Hinduism |
|
| Sikhism | Diwali is the day when the 6th Guru of Sikhs Guru Hargobind Singh ji was released from the jail. It is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Diwas among the Sikhs. |
| Jainism | Lord Mahavir-the last Jain Tirthankara is believed to have attained Nirvana on the day of Diwali. |
| Buddhists | Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism on this day. |
Deepavali Celebrations
Diwali celebrations in India are most elaborate beginning several days before the actual festival. It is believed that goddess Lakshmi herself visits and blesses people at Deepavali. So, cleaning the house to welcome the goddess is the first thing that strikes everyone. This is followed by frenzied shopping for new clothes and gifts for family and friends. Dhanteras a day before Diwali is the day when people specially buy new utensils. Houses are decorated in colorful lights making for a splendid view. On the day of Diwali people worship goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha (Gods of peace, prosperity and wealth).There is also a tradition of playing cards at the festival. The winner in the game of cards is blessed with victory in all the spheres of life for the coming year as per a popular belief. Bursting of crackers is favourite part of children about the Diwali celebrations. All you can hear in the streets on the eve of Diwali in India is the noise of crackers.
Last Updated on 09/19/2011
| Festivals of India | |
