10 Facts About Diwali
Diwali, or Deepawali, gets its name from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which implies “row of clay lamps.” Many individuals in India will light these lamps outside their homes to represent the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness, in tune with an occasion that is a tribute to the triumph of good over evil.
Hindu celebrations center on the return of Rama and Sita, two deities, to Ayodhya, an old city in India, after being exiled. Sikhs, Jains, and even Buddhists have their own lore surrounding the holiday.
10 Interesting Facts About Diwali
- Diwali is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Hindu month of Kartika. Hinduism could be a major religion in India and is considered to be the oldest religion in the world.
- The dates for Diwali change each year based on the moon’s position, but the occasion is ordinarily celebrated in October and November.
- The title Diwali is derived from the rows (avail) of lights (Deepa) that people light outside their houses and temples as a symbol of the internal light that secures against spiritual darkness. For Hindus, Diwali is important akin to how Christmas is to Christians. However, over the centuries Diwali has morphed into a national celebration that’s celebrated by indeed non-Hindu communities.
- More than 800 million individuals celebrate this celebration in different ways. During the celebrations, Hindus outside India visit mandirs (their places of adore) to give offerings to gods, and to share food.
- The festival signifies the victory of light over darkness.
- During the Diwali celebration, windows and entryways are left open with the hope that Lakshmi will enter the houses and bless the occupants with success and wealth.
- Diwali celebrations, paintings, or statues of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh are placed side by side for rituals and prayers. Typically, people worship Lord Ganesh before Goddess Lakshmi.
- Traditional diyas (light lights) used during Diwali are earthen lights, although plastic and metallic diyas have moreover become available recently. These diyas are filled with ghee or oil, and a cotton wick is used to bear the flame.
- Diyas are left burning all night.
- Diwali celebration, people get to visit each other, exchange blessings, exchange gifts and sweets, feed the poor, and set off firecrackers.
- “Shubh Deepavali” is a customary greeting associated with Diwali. It means, “Have an auspicious Diwali”.
