History, Celebration & Significance of Diwali

Diwali is one of the biggest and most auspicious festivals celebrated all over the globe, particularly in India. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated by different communities like Hindus, Jains and Sikhs with great joy and enthusiasm.

Diwali symbolizes the “victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, signifying peace and joy.

Diwali 2022

Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartik month as per the Hindu Lunar calendar. This year the festival falls on Monday, the 24th of October, a new moon day or Amavasya. Since the festival is celebrated as per the lunar calendar, the dates are different every year. The night of Diwali is a moonless night which is illuminated with diyas, lights and candles.

History

As per Hindu mythology, Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. He returned with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman after defeating Ravana, the king of Lanka. 

The people of Ayodhya celebrated their return with great enthusiasm by lighting rows of diyas and lamps. This is the belief prevalent in the northern part of the country.

In the western part, it is considered the beginning of the New Year, celebrated by welcoming Laksmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

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In Eastern India, the day is devoted to Ma Kali and is celebrated as Kali puja.

Significance

Diwali is the festival of lights which signifies peace and joy and symbolizes the “victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. 

The festival represents the eradication of darkness, negativity and doubts from our lives. It is a celebration of prosperity in which people give gifts and sweets to their loved ones.

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How is It Celebrated?

This festival is a true testimony of what our country stands for Unity in diversity. Though celebrated all over the country, different parts celebrate it differently, adding their local touch and flavour. But one common thing is that every house in every town, village and city is lit up with diyas and candles on Diwali. There is light everywhere which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.

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The festivities begin days before the festival. People clean up their homes, get them painted and are ready to welcome Laksmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. They make beautiful patterns called Rangoli outside their homes and visit family and friends with gifts and sweets. Everyone wears new clothes to dress for the Diwali festival.

Diwali food is also special as it is a time for celebration.

Diwali evenings are about the Laksmi pooja followed by the bursting of firecrackers though nowadays, this practice is dying out due to the pollution these firecrackers cause.

Diwali is one of our country’s most beautiful festivals, and many people from other parts of the world love to visit our country during this time.