Diwali is a 5-day festival celebrated by millions of Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across the globe. Diwali is very much an Indian festival, but because of the massive spread of the Indian diaspora, it is celebrated in more than 200 nations.
Diwali is also referred to as Deepavali, which means the Festival of Lights in Sanskrit, the oldest of all Indian languages. For many traditional Hindus, Diwali is the start of the New Year, a time to celebrate a new beginning, an occasion filled with joy and contentment.
For farmers across India, Diwali coincides with the start of the harvesting season, a time to celebrate the fruits of their hard work.
Diwali has a deep spiritual meaning – it symbolizes the victory of the good over evil.
Diwali marks the movement from darkness to light; from sadness to joy, from poverty to prosperity, from chaos to order, from hopelessness to hope, from pessimism to optimism.
For Hindus in particular, the days of Diwali are the most joyous days of the year, filled with happiness and contentment. Firecrackers lit the skies and homes are illuminated with special lamps and lights.
The loud booming sound of the firecrackers that fills up the sky is an acknowledgment of gratitude to the Gods for the attainment of peace and prosperity, wealth and good health.
Diwali is a 5-day festival and occurs during October or November. The dates are fixed according to the Hindu calendar and change every year. This year - 2020 - Diwali will start on November 14.
Diwali marks the symbolic return of Lord Rama and Sita to their Kingdom of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. Also, Diwali marks the victory of Goddess Kali over the evil demon Mahishasura.
Diwali marks the day the sixth guru Hargobind Singh was released from captivity of the Mughal Emperor in 1619. Hargobind Singh is credited with transforming the Sikhs into a martial race. The foundation stone of the Golden Temple, the most important Sikh temple or Gurudwara, was laid on Diwali more than 400 years ago.
Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, was believed to have attained Moksha (a state of eternal bliss) on Diwali.
Diwali is considered to be especially auspicious for Hindus as that is the day when Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth is said to enter every house. That is why all homes are brightly lit and decorated with lights, small oil lamps called diyas and more.
Diwali is an occasion for everyone to come together – families and friends. Special sweets are prepared and distributed to friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbors.
Everyone makes it a point to wear their best clothes on Diwali – men look dashing in their Kurta Pyjamas and Sherwanis, women look beautiful in their Saaris, Churidars, and Lehenga Cholis, and children look so cute in traditional Indian ethnic wear.