Diwali, also known as the "festival of lights," is a five-day celebration observed by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. It is celebrated in the Hindu calendar month of Kartika, typically in October or November. The main celebration falls on the third day, which is the darkest night of the lunar month.
The festival is celebrated in honor of Lord Rama, who returned to his kingdom after 14 years of exile and defeating the demon king, Ravana. It is said that the people of Ayodhya, Rama's kingdom, lit diyas (oil lamps) to illuminate his path and welcome him back home. This is why lighting diyas and candles is a significant part of the Diwali celebration.
On the first day of Diwali, people clean and decorate their homes and workplaces with rangoli, which are colorful designs made with rice powder, flowers, and other materials. The second day is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdasi, the day when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. The third day is the main Diwali celebration, when people light diyas and candles, perform puja (worship) to the gods, exchange gifts and sweets, and burst firecrackers. The fourth day is celebrated as the new year for some communities, and the fifth day is known as Bhai Dooj, a day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters.
Diwali is also a significant festival for Jains, as it marks the attainment of enlightenment by Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara (Jain saint). For Sikhs, Diwali celebrates the release of Guru Hargobind from a Mughal Empire prison by the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
In recent years, Diwali has become a more global celebration, celebrated by people of Indian origin around the world, and is now a popular festival in many countries. The festival symbolizes victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
0 Comments