The clear blue sky, air fills scent of flowers, life overwhelmed with colors of Rangoli, with every knock on ones ‘door, one expects the gifts and sweets from dear ones, passing on the fortunate smiles, putting on new apparels, to show our friends some style and decorating for them the thali. As the day proceeds, the twilight is enhanced with the light of the candles below, and the dazzling fireworks up above, the promising sounds of crackers. The homes are illumined with the lamps of hope and peace as paying more respects to the gods, and receive their unconditional love and this is what the occasion is all about the spirit of Diwali, for us, it is coming together to celebrate good over evil, return of light from darkness, celebrating the Hindu New Year and welcoming health, wealth, and prosperity in our homes. It is the beginning of everything good and new. Diwali is typically celebrated by socializing and exchanging gifts with family and friends. Many light oil lamps or candles to symbolize a victory of light over darkness, and fireworks are set off as part of the celebrations. Diwali, the festival of lights, marks the time when millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world celebrate the triumph of good over evil with beautiful rituals such as festive lights, fireworks, sweet delicacies and family gatherings. The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali”, which means “rows of lighted lamps”. Households across India celebrate by decorating their space with small lamps called diyas and other colorful lights. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is part of a five-day celebration that honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Celebrants light lamps, set off fireworks and gather with friends and family to exchange gifts and enjoy holiday meals together, honoring community and a new year.
Diwali is the five-day Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. Diwali, which for some also coincide with harvest and New Year celebrations is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The difference between Diwali and Deepavali is that Diwali is the five-day festival celebrated in mostly the north Indian states, whereas Deepavali is the four-day festival celebrated mostly in the south Indian states. In one of the main stories in Hindu mythology, Diwali is the day Lord Rama, his wife Sita Devi, and brother Lakshmana returned to their homeland after 14 years in exile. The villagers lit a path for Rama, who had defeated the demon king Ravana. After Lord Rama slew the demon, Lord Krishna declared it a day of festivities. Lakshmi Puja consists of a combined puja of five deities. Ganesha is worshipped at the beginning of every auspicious act as Vighneshvara; goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in her three forms; Mahalakshmi the goddess of wealth and money, Mahasaraswati the goddess of books and learning, and Mahakali. Each religion marks a different Diwali story and historical event. In one of the main stories in Hindu mythology, Diwali is the day Lord Rama, his wife Sita Devi and brother Lakshmana return to their homeland after 14 years in exile. The villagers lit a path for Rama, who had defeated the demon king Ravana. Reenactments of this story are part of celebrations in some regions. Another Diwali story in Hindu mythology is that Diwali marks the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura and freed the people of his kingdom. After he slayed the demon, Lord Krishna declared it a day of festivities. In some parts of India, people burn effigies of the demon kings in both stories as part of the celebration.
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