What is Diwali?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Hindu culture. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali is a vibrant and joyful holiday symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival usually takes place between October and November, based on the Hindu lunar calendar, and is observed by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists around the world. Diwali is marked by a series of customs and traditions, including lighting oil lamps, decorating homes, exchanging gifts, preparing feasts, and celebrating with friends and family.

Origins and Significance of Diwali

The significance of Diwali varies across religions, but the central theme of triumph and renewal remains common. Here are the key stories and meanings associated with Diwali in various cultures:

1. Hinduism: Diwali has several Hindu mythological origins, with the most famous being the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. According to the epic “Ramayana,” Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, returned home after 14 years in exile. The people of Ayodhya welcomed their king by lighting rows of oil lamps, signifying the triumph of good over evil. Diwali also commemorates the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, who is honored on the first day of the festival.
2. Jainism: Diwali marks the anniversary of Lord Mahavira’s attainment of Nirvana (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) in 527 BCE. For Jains, Diwali is a time to honor Mahavira’s teachings, meditate, and focus on personal growth.
3. Sikhism: Diwali coincides with the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, who was imprisoned by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. His release, along with 52 Hindu princes, is remembered as a symbol of liberation and justice.
4. Buddhism: In some Buddhist communities, Diwali is celebrated to honor Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism, marking his renouncement of violence and commitment to peace.

Despite these differences in interpretation, Diwali universally represents a time for reflection, gratitude, and the celebration of virtues like honesty, courage, and kindness.

What is Diwali and why is it celebrated? What to know about the Hindu festival of lights

The Five Days of Diwali

Diwali is typically celebrated over five days, each with unique rituals and meanings. Here’s a look at the sequence and significance of each day:

1. Dhanteras (Day of Prosperity): The first day of Diwali is dedicated to wealth and prosperity. People clean and decorate their homes to welcome the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth. It’s also customary to buy new utensils, jewelry, or gold on this day as a sign of good fortune.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali (The Day of Liberation): This day symbolizes the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. People wake up early, apply special oils, and bathe as a form of purification. In some regions, this day is also referred to as Choti Diwali, or “Small Diwali.”
3. Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali Day): This is the most important day of Diwali. Families gather to perform Lakshmi Puja, seeking blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness. Homes and temples are illuminated with diyas (oil lamps) and decorated with colorful rangoli (intricate patterns made from colored powder, flower petals, or rice). Fireworks and feasts add to the joyous atmosphere.
4. Govardhan Puja or Annakut (The Day of Gratitude): On this day, people express gratitude for food, shelter, and nature’s bounty. It commemorates Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to protect his village from torrential rains. People prepare lavish meals and offer them in temples to honor the occasion.
5. Bhai Dooj (Brother-Sister Bonding Day): The final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform a ceremony for their brothers’ well-being, and in return, brothers give gifts to their sisters, symbolizing love and protection.

What is Diwali and why is it celebrated? What to know about the Hindu festival of lights

Customs and Traditions Associated with Diwali

Diwali customs vary across regions, but there are some common elements that embody the spirit of the festival. Here are some of the main traditions:

1. Lighting Diyas and Candles: Lighting diyas (oil lamps) and candles is central to Diwali. These lights are not only decorative but symbolize the removal of ignorance and the arrival of enlightenment. In many homes, diyas are placed in every corner and window to ward off negative energies.
2. Rangoli Art: Rangoli is an art form where intricate designs are created using colored powders, flower petals, or rice. These designs are usually placed near entrances to welcome guests and the goddess Lakshmi into the home.
3. Exchanging Gifts and Sweets: Diwali is a time for expressing gratitude and sharing joy with loved ones. Families and friends exchange gifts, including traditional sweets like laddoos, barfis, and halwas. Sharing sweets and gifts fosters a sense of togetherness and appreciation.
4. Fireworks and Sparklers: Fireworks have been a part of Diwali celebrations for centuries, symbolizing the joy and excitement of the occasion. In recent years, people have moved toward eco-friendly fireworks to reduce environmental impact.
5. Prayers and Meditation: Diwali is a spiritual time for many. People engage in prayers, meditate, and practice charity, donating food, clothes, and money to the less fortunate.

What is Diwali and why is it celebrated? What to know about the Hindu festival of lights

The Modern Significance of Diwali

Today, Diwali is more than a traditional holiday; it has become an opportunity for people of different backgrounds to come together and celebrate. The themes of good triumphing over evil, light dispelling darkness, and new beginnings resonate universally. It’s a time for reconnecting with family, strengthening relationships, and reflecting on the values of kindness and compassion.

Diwali also highlights the importance of sustainability in modern celebrations. As more people become aware of environmental concerns, they are opting for eco-friendly decorations, sustainable rangoli materials, and quiet or minimal fireworks, making Diwali not only a cultural but also an environmentally conscious event.

Final Thoughts

Diwali is a deeply symbolic and spiritually enriching festival that extends beyond religious boundaries. Celebrated across continents, it’s a reminder of hope, renewal, and unity. The rituals, from lighting diyas to sharing sweets, are expressions of gratitude, faith, and joy. As we honor the traditions of Diwali, we also embrace its timeless message: that light, goodness, and harmony will always prevail, lighting the path forward for humanity.

What is Diwali and why is it celebrated? What to know about the Hindu festival of lights