Diwali (Festival of Lights)

Diwali, one of the most important festivals in Hindu culture, is celebrated over five days and holds immense religious, cultural, and social significance. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most anticipated and widely celebrated Ancient Festivals of India. Symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, Diwali holds profound cultural, religious, and social significance for millions of people across the country and around the world. This article delves into the vibrant tapestry of traditions, customs, and festivities that define the essence of Diwali, the Festival of Lights.

Here's a breakdown of the various aspects of Diwali:

Day 1: Dhanteras (29 October 2024  )

• The first day of Diwali festivities is known as Dhanteras, which falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Ashwin.
• On this day, people worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance, and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and well-being.
• It is considered auspicious to purchase gold, silver, utensils, or other valuables on Dhanteras as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

• Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is observed on the fourteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha.
• It commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, who was vanquished and liberated from his tyranny.
• People take ritual baths before sunrise, apply oil on their bodies, and perform prayers to cleanse themselves of impurities and evil influences.

Day 3: Diwali (Main Day)

• The third day of Diwali, known as the main Diwali day or Amavasya, is the most significant and festive day of the celebration.
• Homes and public spaces are illuminated with diyas (oil lamps), candles, and decorative lights to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil.
• Families gather for puja (worship) ceremonies, offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, and seek their blessings for prosperity, wealth, and happiness.
• Firecrackers and fireworks are lit to drive away evil spirits and create a festive atmosphere. However, there is growing awareness about the environmental and health hazards associated with fireworks, leading to calls for more eco-friendly celebrations.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Padwa)

• The fourth day of Diwali is known as Govardhan Puja or Annakut Puja, which commemorates Lord Krishna's lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan from torrential rains.
• Devotees prepare elaborate food offerings, known as Annakut, consisting of a variety of vegetarian dishes and sweets, which are then offered to the deities in temples and homes.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

• The fifth and final day of Diwali is celebrated as Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhaiya Dooj or Bhau Beej.
• It is a day to honor the bond between brothers and sisters, where sisters perform aarti (ritual of worship) for their brothers and pray for their well-being and longevity.
• Brothers, in turn, give gifts to their sisters and pledge to protect and support them throughout their lives.

Overall, Diwali is a time of joy, unity, and spiritual renewal, where families come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and express gratitude for life's blessings. It is a celebration of hope, prosperity, and the eternal victory of good over evil, spreading warmth and happiness to all who partake in its festivities.

When is Diwali in 2024?

Diwali, the joyous festival of lights, falls on Friday, November 1, 2024, in India, according to drikpanchang.

Time for Lakshmi Puja:

The most auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja in 2024 is between 05:36 PM to 06:16 PM. However, any time in the evening is considered suitable for worship.Know more About How To Do Lakshmi Puja on Diwali in 2024.

• Pradosh Kaal - 05:36 PM to 08:11 PM
• Vrishabha Kaal - 06:19 PM to 08:15 PM
• Lakshmi Puja Muhurat without Sthir Lagna
• Amavasya Tithi Begins - 03:52 PM on Oct 31, 2024
• Amavasya Tithi Ends - 06:16 PM on Nov 01, 2024

Certainly! Here are some interesting facts about Diwali:

1. Symbolism of Light: Diwali, also known as Deepavali, translates to "row of lamps" in Sanskrit. The festival is celebrated by lighting oil lamps, candles, and decorative lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil.
2. Multi-Day Celebration: Diwali is not just a one-day affair; it is celebrated over a period of five days. Each day has its own significance and rituals, including cleaning and decorating homes, performing religious ceremonies, and exchanging gifts and sweets.
3. Religious Significance: While Diwali is primarily a Ancient Festivals of India, it is also celebrated by other religious communities, including Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, each observing the occasion for different reasons and traditions.
4. Goddess Lakshmi: Diwali is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes during Diwali, bringing blessings of wealth and abundance to those who welcome her with devotion and sincerity.
5. Fireworks and Firecrackers: One of the hallmark traditions of Diwali is the bursting of fireworks and firecrackers. While these colorful displays add to the festive atmosphere, there has been increasing awareness about their environmental and health impact, leading to calls for more eco-friendly celebrations.
6. Rangoli Art: Another prominent Diwali tradition is the creation of rangolis, intricate patterns and designs made on the floor using colored powders, rice flour, or flower petals. Rangolis are believed to welcome the gods and bring good luck and prosperity to homes.
7. Exchange of Gifts: Diwali is a time for giving and receiving gifts. It is customary for people to exchange sweets, dry fruits, decorative items, and clothing with friends, family, and neighbors as a gesture of goodwill and camaraderie.
8. Cleaning and Renovation: Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year in many regions of India. As part of the festival preparations, people clean and renovate their homes, believing it invites positive energy and prosperity into their lives for the coming year.
9. Historical and Mythological Significance: Diwali is associated with various historical events and mythological legends, including the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile, the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, and the attainment of nirvana by Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism.
10. Global Celebration: Diwali is celebrated not only in India but also by Indian communities around the world. It is recognized as a public holiday in several countries, and its festivities often include cultural performances, music, dance, and traditional Indian cuisine.

Religious Observances

Religious observances during Diwali vary among different religious communities in India. Here are the main religious observances associated with Diwali:

1. Hindu Tradition:

• Puja to Goddess Lakshmi: Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, on the main day of Diwali. Elaborate puja rituals are performed, including the offering of flowers, incense, sweets, and fruits to the deity. Devotees seek her blessings for wealth, abundance, and success.
• Puja to Lord Ganesha: Before commencing the Diwali puja, Hindus worship Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, to seek his blessings for a successful and auspicious celebration.
• Legend of Lord Rama: Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. Many Hindus celebrate Diwali by reenacting scenes from the epic Ramayana and reciting prayers and hymns in honor of Lord Rama.

2. Jain Tradition:

• Observance of Mahavira Nirvana: For Jains, Diwali holds special significance as it commemorates the nirvana (spiritual liberation) of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, who attained moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) on this day. Jains visit temples, participate in religious processions, and engage in prayers and meditation to honor Lord Mahavira's teachings of non-violence, compassion, and self-discipline.
• Diwali Celebrations: Jains decorate their homes and temples with lights, offer prayers and devotional songs, and engage in charitable activities such as feeding the poor and donating to the less fortunate.

3. Sikh Tradition:

• Bandi Chhor Divas: Sikhs celebrate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, which commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and 52 other Hindu kings from imprisonment by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji's release from captivity symbolizes the triumph of righteousness over tyranny and the victory of truth over falsehood.
• Golden Temple Illumination: The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, is illuminated with thousands of lights on the occasion of Bandi Chhor Divas. Sikhs gather at the temple to offer prayers, listen to hymns (kirtan), and partake in langar (community meal) as part of the celebrations.

4. Buddhist Tradition:

• Ashok Vijayadashami: In some Buddhist communities, Diwali is celebrated as Ashok Vijayadashami, commemorating the conversion of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka to Buddhism after the Kalinga War. Buddhists reflect on the teachings of non-violence, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment during this time and engage in meditation and chanting of sutras (scriptures).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Diwali: