One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, it symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”
“Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali. It is associated with brightness and radiance. May this auspicious festival further the spirit of joy and well-being in our lives. I hope you have a wonderful Diwali with family and friends.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted,
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is a five-day celebration that starts on Dhanteras and ends on Bhaiya Dooj. It is celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
The festival is also celebrated by Sikhs and Jains. It is celebrated in autumn in the northern hemisphere (spring in the southern hemisphere). This year it will be celebrated on 24th October 2022. It will be preceded by Dhanteras on 22nd October.
The celebrations include light decoration, Rangoli designs, feasting, fireworks, and worship. Family and friends gather to enjoy the festivities. On this occasion, people wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with each other. Gifts are also exchanged between loved ones.
What is Diwali?
also known as the “festival of light”, is a five-day Hindu festival that starts on Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdasi on the second day, Deepavali on the third day, Diwali Padva on the fourth day, and Bhai Dooj on the fifth day. It is celebrated in autumn every year.
It is one of the most popular festivals in India and is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. The festival commemorates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after defeating Ravana in a battle. People light diyas (oil lamps) and candles to welcome Lord Rama home. Fireworks are also set off during this time.
Diwali is also a time for families and friends to get together, exchange gifts, and feast on delicious food. On night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfits and attend puja (prayer) ceremonies at their local temples. After the puja, they eat sweets and snacks and enjoy family time.
The History of Diwali
One of the most popular festivals in India, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains all over the country. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights, as people light diyas (oil lamps) and candles to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
iT has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The earliest mention of festival can be found in the Sanskrit epic poem, the Ramayana. In the poem, describing as a celebration that took place after Lord Rama defeated Ravana and returned home from his 14-year exile.
Over time, it became increasingly associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. On night, Hindus offer prayers to Lakshmi and light diyas in her honor. They also exchange gifts and sweets with family and friends.
Diwali is now celebrated all over the world by people of Indian origin. It is a joyous occasion that brings people together in celebration of light, love and happiness.
Diwali Traditions
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights and is celebrated in India and Nepal. The five-day festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
The traditions include lighting lamps and candles, decorating homes and offices, exchanging gifts, and setting off fireworks. Families gather together to feast on traditional foods such as sweets and fried snacks. On the last day of the festival, Hindus worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Diwali is a time for joy, celebration, and spending time with loved ones. It is a cherished tradition that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
Diwali : Global Celebration(USA)
An increasing number of US retailers are joining South Asian American business owners in acknowledging Diwali in recent years
Indian Americans are making Diwali
As Indian immigrants have crossed oceans and borders for new countries, the holidays and traditions they brought with them have both endured and evolved with the next generation.
Every year, Indians gather with family for a puja at her their house, followed by a night of feasting and fireworks. But before the main event, and make it a point to perform prayers at their own home.
Diwali in India
This is one of the most popular festivals in India. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy all over the country. Diwali is a five-day festival that starts on Dhanteras and ends on Bhai Dooj. On this day, people light up their houses and workplaces with diyas (lamps) and candles. They also exchange gifts with their loved ones and enjoy feasts and celebrations.
It is an important festival for Hindus, as it marks the victory of good over evil. The story goes that on this day, Lord Rama defeated Ravana, the demon king, and rescued his wife Sita from captivity.
This event is commemorated by lighting lamps all around the country. Diwali is also a time for families to get together and enjoy each other’s company. It is a joyful occasion which everyone looks forward to!
Diwali in Nepal
Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most popular festivals in Nepal. It is celebrated with great pomp and ceremony throughout the country.
The main event is the lighting of lamps (diyas) and candles all over the house. This is done to signify the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival also marks the start of the Nepalese New Year.
Other activities during festival include decorating homes with rangoli designs, exchanging gifts, feasting on traditional foods, and setting off fireworks. For many Hindus, it is also a time for worshipping Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
A five-day festival that is enjoyed by all regardless of caste, creed, or religion. It is truly a time for rejoice and celebrating with family and friends.
Diwali in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is home to a large population of Hindus, who celebrate Diwali with great fanfare. The island nation has its own unique take on the festival, which includes worshipping Lord Ganesh, decorating homes with oil lamps, and setting off fireworks.
In Sri Lanka is a time for families to come together and celebrate. Homes are decorated with oil lamps and rangoli patterns, and folks enjoy feasting on traditional sweets and snacks. Fireworks are an integral part of the festivities, and people take to the streets to enjoy the spectacular displays.
The festival of Diwali is a celebration of light and life, and it is cherished by Hindus all over the world. In Sri Lanka, this joyous occasion is made even more special by the warmth and hospitality of the people.
Conclusion
Diwali is a time for family, friends, and loved ones to come together and celebrate. It is also a time for reflection, as we think about the past year and what we want to achieve in the coming one. Whatever your plans are, we hope that it is a happy and safe one for you and your loved ones.
FAQ – Diwali: Global Celebration
How is Diwali celebrated globally?
Widely celebrated by Hindus across the world, festivities include the lighting of oil lamps on the day that signifies the return of Lord Ram after 14 years in exile as detailed in the epic, Ramayana. Exchanging gifts, feasting on traditional sweets and wearing new clothes are other traditions.
Is Diwali a worldwide holiday?
Diwali is the most prominent holiday in India and is celebrated by more than 1 billion Hindus around the world. The backstories of the holiday vary across religions and countries, as other sects, such as Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism, have adopted their own versions of the holiday.
How many countries celebrate Diwali worldwide?
Among them, countries like Malaysia, Fiji, Nepal, Mauritius, Singapore and Sri Lanka are prominent. In Malaysia, it is called Hari Diwali and on this day, people after bathing with water and oil offer prayers in the temples. The total population of Malaysia is 3.24 crore, of which about 6.5 per cent are Hindus
Is that true about Diwali holiday in USA?
The United States (US) Congress introduced ‘Deepavali Day Act’ on Wednesday, October 3, making Diwali a federal holiday in the country. The legislation was introduced by a delegation of lawmakers, led by the New York congresswoman Carolyn B Maloney