Every fall, more than a billion Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world celebrate Diwali. The five-day festival, which commemorates the triumph good over evil, is India’s greatest festival. The ancient the date of the festival is based on the Hindu lunar calendar and differs every year. This year, Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, as it is also called, will be observed from October 22 to October 26.
The fun begins with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to deities of wealth. The occasion is marked with prayers for the prosperity, success and well-being of loved ones. Many people also decorate the entrances to their homes and businesses with colorful lanterns and traditional temporary designs, or “rangoli”. Making a purchase that day is considered auspiciousand watchers often gift each other beautiful jewelry, clothing, or household items.
The second day of the festival is called Kali Chaudas, or Narak Chaturdashi. For some it’s a day to drive away demons or the evil spirits of the houses with traditional rituals. Others regard it as “Choti (small) Diwali” and use it as an excuse to start the celebrations early with feasts and fireworks. Regardless of their beliefs, everyone looks forward to Diwali on the third day.
Diwali celebrations start early with a visit to a place of worship, such as a temple. Families and friends meet to exchange gifts and treats. As the sun sets, watchers around the world light up their homes with glittering small oil lamps, or “diyas”, and share a delicious meal with your loved ones. For residents of India, the real fun begins late in the evening when everything neighborhoods take to the streets to light up the sky with colorful fireworks. The spectacular the show continues until every last firecracker has gone off.
There are many folklore associated with the ancient festival. Some believe that the people of Ayodhya first celebrated Diwali to mark the return of King Rama, his wife Sita and his 14-year-old brother Lakshmana. exile commissioned by the king’s mother. Others believe the celebration marked the taming of an angry goddess who had run amok threatens annihilate every living creature on Earth.
For the residents in western Indian states, such as Gujarat, Diwali marks the end of the calendar year. On October 25, 2022, they will welcome the first day of the year 2079. The 57-year-old difference between Hindu and Gregorian calendar is due to their use of shortcuts lunar rounds. In the northern states of India, the fourth day is reserved for honor the Hindu god Krishna. The fifth and final day of the festival celebrates the obligation between brothers and sisters. It is marked with prayers and more delicious food.
For children in India, Diwali is similar at Christmas. In addition to a week off from school, they are also entitled to gifts, new clothes, good food and fireworks. It’s no wonder that the festival ranks among the best in the country favorite celebrations.
Resources: nationalgeographic.com, livelearn.ca, wikipedia.org, history.com
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