Diwali in India
Diwali is a holiday in India.
When is Diwali in India
Diwali is celebrated on 12, November, 2023 in India.
About Diwali in India
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated in India and by the Indian diaspora worldwide. It is known as the “Festival of Lights” and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Diwali is typically celebrated for five days, although the exact duration may vary regionally. The festival usually falls between October and November, depending on the lunar calendar. The preparations for Diwali begin weeks in advance, with people cleaning and decorating their homes, buying new clothes, and exchanging gifts.
On the first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras, people worship the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, and purchase new items, especially gold or silver, as it is considered auspicious. The second day is called Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, when people clean themselves and their homes thoroughly and light oil lamps to ward off evil spirits.
The third day, which is the main day of Diwali, is when families come together to celebrate. They decorate their homes with colorful rangoli patterns, light oil lamps called diyas, and burst firecrackers. People wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and share festive meals with loved ones. Temples are adorned with lights, and prayers are offered to deities.
The fourth day, known as Govardhan Puja or Annakut, is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Devotees prepare and offer a variety of vegetarian dishes as a symbol of gratitude for the bountiful harvest. The fifth and final day is called Bhai Dooj, when sisters perform a ritual to pray for the well-being and long life of their brothers.
Diwali is not only celebrated by Hindus but also by people from other religions in India. It is a time of unity and joy, bringing people together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. The festival is also associated with prosperity, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are clean and illuminated.
However, it is worth noting that in recent years, there has been growing awareness about the environmental impact of firecrackers and pollution caused during Diwali celebrations. Efforts are being made to promote eco-friendly celebrations, encouraging people to use fewer firecrackers and opt for alternative ways of celebrating the festival.
Overall, Diwali is a vibrant and joyous festival that showcases the rich cultural heritage of India, spreading happiness, love, and light among its people.
History of Diwali in India
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India. The history of Diwali dates back thousands of years and has both religious and cultural significance.
The origins of Diwali can be traced to ancient Hindu scriptures, particularly the epic Ramayana. According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana returned to their kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The people of Ayodhya welcomed them by lighting oil lamps to illuminate their path and celebrate their return. This event symbolized the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, marking the beginning of the Diwali festival.
Another significant legend associated with Diwali is the story of Lord Krishna defeating the demon Narakasura. It is believed that Lord Krishna killed Narakasura on the day preceding Diwali, thereby freeing the world from his tyranny and establishing peace and prosperity.
Diwali also holds religious significance for Jains, as it commemorates the spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira, the last and 24th Tirthankara (spiritual leader) of Jainism. According to Jain tradition, Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana, or liberation, on the day of Diwali.
Over time, Diwali has evolved into a festival that transcends religious boundaries and is celebrated by people of various faiths. It is often referred to as the “Festival of Lights” due to the tradition of lighting oil lamps, candles, and decorative lights in homes, temples, and public spaces. The illumination represents the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.
Diwali celebrations typically span over five days, with each day having its own significance and rituals. The festivities include cleaning and decorating homes, exchanging gifts and sweets, preparing special meals, wearing new clothes, performing prayers and rituals, bursting fireworks, and enjoying cultural performances.
In addition to India, Diwali is celebrated by Indian communities worldwide, making it one of the most widely observed festivals globally. The exact dates of Diwali vary each year as it follows the lunar calendar, typically falling between mid-October and mid-November.
Overall, the history of Diwali reflects the triumph of good over evil, the importance of light and knowledge, and the spirit of unity and joy. It continues to be a time of celebration, gratitude, and renewal for millions of people in India and beyond.
How is Diwali celebrated in India
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India. It is a five-day festival that marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Here is how Diwali is celebrated in India:
-
Cleaning and Decoration: Prior to Diwali, people clean their homes and workplaces thoroughly to welcome the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. They also decorate their houses with colorful rangoli patterns, flowers, and lights.
-
Lighting of Diyas: Diwali is known as the festival of lights. People light traditional oil lamps called diyas and place them around their homes, in courtyards, and on rooftops to symbolize the victory of light over darkness.
-
Fireworks: Fireworks are a major part of Diwali celebrations. People burst firecrackers and light sparklers to create a festive atmosphere and ward off evil spirits.
-
Puja and Prayers: On the main day of Diwali, people perform puja (prayer) to seek blessings from the deities. They offer prayers to goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and other gods and goddesses for prosperity and well-being. Temples are beautifully decorated, and special religious ceremonies take place.
-
Exchanging Gifts: Diwali is a time for exchanging gifts and sweets with family, friends, and neighbors. It is considered auspicious to give and receive gifts during this festival.
-
Feasting: Diwali is also a time for feasting and enjoying delicious food. Families prepare various traditional sweets and snacks like ladoos, barfis, namkeens, and other festive dishes.
-
Cultural Performances: Many cultural performances take place during Diwali, including traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas in Gujarat, Kathakali in Kerala, and Ramlila in North India. These performances showcase the rich cultural heritage of India.
-
Gambling: In some parts of India, gambling is considered a traditional activity during Diwali. People play card games and gamble as a form of entertainment and good luck.
-
Charity and Donations: Diwali is also a time for giving back to society. Many people donate to the underprivileged, feed the poor, and contribute to charitable causes during this festival.
Overall, Diwali is a joyous and vibrant festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across India. It brings families together, strengthens bonds, and spreads happiness and prosperity.
Dates
Diwali will be celebrated in India on 2023-11-12, 2024-11-01, 2025-10-20, 2026-11-08, 2027-10-29 in the comming years.