What is Diwali and why is it celebrated?

As a cultural expert with a deep understanding of various traditions and festivals across the world, I am always eager to share my knowledge. Today, I will be discussing the significance of Diwali, a festival that holds immense importance for millions of people. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a five-day festival of lights celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world. It is one of the most significant and widely recognized festivals in the Indian subcontinent and has also gained popularity in other parts of the world where these communities reside. The festival coincides with the Hindu New Year, marking the beginning of a new financial year in many parts of India, and is associated with new beginnings. The word 'Diwali' itself is a contraction of 'Deepavali', where 'Deepa' means 'lamp' and 'avali' means 'row', thus signifying a row of lamps. This is reflective of the festival's primary practice of illuminating homes with clay lamps, known as 'diyas', and various other forms of lighting. The celebration of Diwali is rooted in various myths and legends, with no single story being universally accepted. However, the most common theme that runs through these narratives is the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. This is symbolic of the inner struggle of every individual to overcome the darker aspects of life and embrace the light of knowledge, wisdom, and spirituality. One of the most popular legends associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Rama, an avatar of the god Vishnu, to his kingdom Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. The people of Ayodhya celebrated his return by lighting oil lamps, which is believed to be the origin of the tradition of lighting lamps during Diwali. Another legend tells the story of Lord Krishna, who defeated the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The day following his victory is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, which is another significant day in the Diwali festival. For Sikhs, Diwali holds special significance as it marks the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, from imprisonment by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. His release, along with 52 other princes, is celebrated as a symbol of the triumph of justice and freedom. Diwali is celebrated over five days, each day having its own unique significance and customs. The celebrations include: 1. Dhanteras: The first day is dedicated to the worship of wealth and prosperity. People buy new utensils and perform a ritualistic bath for them, lighting lamps around the house. 2. Naraka Chaturdashi: On this day, people wake up early, take an oil bath, and clean their homes thoroughly before bursting firecrackers to ward off evil. 3. Diwali/Lakshmi Puja: The third day is the main event where the actual worship of the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, takes place. People perform elaborate pujas and light up their homes and businesses to invite prosperity. 4. Annakut: The fourth day is significant for the Jain community, who celebrate the Jain festival of Annakut, which involves the preparation of a large variety of sweets and savories, symbolizing the first Jain Tirthankara's attainment of spiritual awakening after a long fast. 5. Bhai Dooj: The fifth and final day is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform a ritual of applying a tilak (mark) on their brothers' foreheads and offer prayers for their well-being. The festival is marked by the bursting of firecrackers, the distribution of sweets, and the exchange of gifts among family and friends. It is a time of joy, festivity, and togetherness, where communities come together to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, symbolizing the eternal battle between good and evil. In conclusion, Diwali is a festival that transcends religious boundaries, uniting people in the celebration of life, prosperity, and the triumph of good. It is a time for reflection, renewal, and the strengthening of familial bonds, making it an integral part of the cultural fabric of the communities that celebrate it.

Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.Oct 22, 2014