Diwali is one of the major festivals celebrated in India each year. It is also known as the “Festival of Lights.” In this post, you will get to know all about What is Diwali and how is it celebrated in India. Let’s get to know about Diwali in detail!
When colder evenings replace the Indian summer and monsoon rains, people start thinking about the festival season i.e. Diwali. It’s one of the most significant events on the calendar for many Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. Therefore, everyone is welcome to participate in the festivities.
Diwali or Deepavali in south India is a time for performing religious rites and exchanging folktales. Additionally, it’s a chance to decorate the house, acquire new clothing, and enjoy parties, feasts, and gift-giving.
What is Diwali?
Although each region of India has traditions for celebrating this festival. So, everyone agrees that the Diwali story symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge.
For Hindus, this connects to the fable of Lord Rama, who was exiled for 14 years after losing his kingdom. The festival commemorates Rama’s victory over the evil spirit Ravana and his victorious return to his home.
For Sikhs, the day celebrates guru Hargobind Singh’s release from custody and return to Amritsar. For Jains, it is a time to commemorate the birth of Jainism and the moment Lord Mahavira attained enlightenment.
History of Diwali
Diwali has become a national holiday that Hindu and non-Hindu people celebrate. In Jainism, Diwali commemorates Lord Mahavira’s nirvana, or spiritual awakening, on October 15, 527 BC. At the same time, Sikhism celebrates the release from captivity of Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru. Buddhists in India also celebrate Diwali.
Understanding Diwali
There is no one origin narrative for Diwali because Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists so widely commemorate it. Additionally, it is an important religious holiday for Hindus. However, every faith has a different historical explanation for the festival. They all ultimately stand for the triumph of virtue over evil.
How Long does Diwali Last?
Diwali is celebrated for five days. Here is the detail of how long does Diwali last in India!
5 Days of Diwali
It is lucky to purchase a metal cooking tool, such as a steel spoon. Two days before the main festival day in India or a more pricey kitchen gadget if money is no object.
Why is Diwali Called the Festival of Lights?
“Chotti Diwali” (or “small Diwali”) refers to the day before this festival. In the past, it was a day for finishing up last-minute tasks before the big day. But these days, it is also a chance for gift exchanging and last-minute errands. Intricate floral and geometric patterns known as “rangoli” are produced on floors using colored powders, rice flour, and flower petals.
The primary celebration occurs on the third day. Prayers are recited as the sun sets, and the house is decorated with many clay lamps. The next event is fireworks. However, these have been reduced in recent years due to noise and air pollution concerns. Despite this, the celebration continues, especially since a beautiful dinner is enjoyed.
Depending on the location, different things will be done at this festival. Chefs will honor their cooking utensils. Business people will revere their ledgers. At the same time, the artists will express appreciation for their paints and palettes.
Sisters ask for brothers’ well-being on the fifth and final day of Diwali celebrations in exchange for sweets and presents.
How is Diwali Celebrated in India?
Diwali customs vary from place to region, just like the holiday tales do. But they all share an abundance of sweets, family get-togethers, and the lighting of clay lamps, which stands for the inner light that guards each home against spiritual darkness.
In the weeks before Diwali, people customarily redecorate their homes. They also buy new clothes and jewelry and exchange presents like sweets, dried fruits, and nuts. Dinner parties, outdoor food festivals, and artisan fairs are all popular during this time of year. Moreover, they all contribute to the excitement leading up to the major celebration.
At these gatherings, you can expect drinks and a lot of finger food, which consists of platters of kebabs, fried savory appetizers, tandoori grills, and spiced sweetmeats.
Hindusim:
Hinduism alone is thought to be the world’s oldest living religion, dating back to the second millennium B.C. Different geographical regions have different interpretations of the Diwali story. These are all epic stories of men. According to Hindu belief, they were manifestations of the god Vishnu, regarded as the universe’s sustainer. At the same time, that job is to restore the balance between good and evil in difficult times.
Diwali Celebrated by the Minorities:
By Sikhs:
For Sikhs, whose religion developed in the late 15th century as a branch of Hinduism, this festival marked the guru Hargobind’s liberation from the Mughal ruler Jahangir’s 12-year imprisonment in the 17th century.
By Jains:
Jains celebrate the day Lord Mahavira, the final of the great Jain teachers, attained nirvana. The religion dates back to Jains to the middle of the first century B.C. Moreover, they also support Hinduism.
By Buddhists:
The Hindu Emperor Ashoka, who ruled in the third century B.C., turned to Buddhism on this day. According to Buddhists, whose faith arose in the late 6th century B.C. interpret as a reaction to Hinduism.
Diwali Celebrated in the Regions:
North India:
In northern India, this festival celebrates Prince Rama’s triumphant return to the city of Ayodhya following the dramatic rescue of his wife Sita. A manifestation of the goddess Lakshmi who had been abducted by the rival king Ravana. He had been exiled for 14 years due to the machinations of his evil stepmother.
South India:
Diwali celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon king Narakasura. Who had 16,000 women imprisoned in his castle and harshly punished any of his subjects who dared resist him. In western India, the festival honors Vishnu’s consignment of King Bali. It was due to the underworld after his enormous might made him a menace to the gods.
