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Bright nights are ahead!
Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is recognized as India’s biggest holiday and takes place over the course of five days.
Its origin story varies depending on India’s regions, but the overall theme is an ode to the triumph of good over evil. Those who celebrate Diwali partake in a number of practices and rituals with different symbolic meanings throughout the span of the holiday.
From when it takes place to the meanings behind the holiday, here’s everything to know about Diwali.
What is Diwali?
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The name itself derives from the Sanskrit word “deepavali” which translates to “rows of lighted lamps.” To further break it down, the word “avali” translates to “row” and the word “deepa” translates to “lamps,” per theSanskrit dictionary.
What’s the origin of Diwali?
Everything to Know About Diwali, the ‘Festival of Lights’.SANJAY KANOJIA/AFP via Getty
Diwali’s roots can be traced back to early Sanskrit texts. While the holiday is generally recognized as a celebration of good over evil,its origin story differs across Indiadepending on the region.
In Western India, the festival represents the day Lord Vishnu, the Preserver (one of the main gods of the Hindu trinity) sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world — while inBengal and other parts of Eastern India, Goddess Kali is worshipped on this day, perTimes of India.
Who celebrates Diwali?
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While Hindus associate the holiday with Lord Ramas return from exile, Jains recognize it as the dayLord Mahavira reached a state of nirvana(Moksha), per BBC. As for Sikhs, Diwali signifies the day sixth guru Hargobind Singh was released from prison and the day the foundation stone of the Golden Temple at Amritsar (Sikhism’s holiest place) was laid.
How is Diwali observed?
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Diwali is a five-day celebration, sometimes six depending on the region of India. Diwali practices and rituals vary across the five days the holiday is celebrated. Dhanteras marks day one, while Bhai Dooj marks the final day of the festival.
Day one honors the birth of Lord Dhanvantri (the medicine god). To celebrate, followers typically clean their homes and purchase new items — particularly utensils and gold — to bring about good fortune.
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Day three is the main day of the Diwali festival, also known as Lakshmi Puja. It honors the dayLord Rama finally returned home from exile. To celebrate, followers light up their homes with candles, lights and fireworks. Plus, Goddess Lakshmi (the female deity of wealth) is worshipped through prayer on this day as well. A big feast is often enjoyed.
Day four, known as Govardhan pooja, honors Lord Krishna who lifted the Govardhan Mountain to save the people from the wrath of Lord Indra. To celebrate, followersmake a small replica of the mountain(often using cow dung) and decorate it with flowers before worshiping it.
The fifth and final day of the Diwali festival, known as Bhai Dooj, places a large emphasis on brotherly love — signifying the brother-sister bond between Lord Yama and his sister, Yami. To celebrate, brothers typically visit their sisters and are welcomed with a lavish meal.
When is Diwali celebrated in 2023?
Although Diwali happens annually, it falls on different days each year. Diwali always takes place on the darkest day of the lunar month, coinciding withthe new moon.
Kartik is the name of the Hindu month that Diwali takes place in, occurring annually in autumn for the northern hemisphere and spring for the southern hemisphere. In Western terms,Kartik begins around mid-Octoberand ends in mid-November, according toTheFarmer’s Almanac.
While Diwali spans five days, the holiday reaches its peak on day three — this year, falling on Sunday Nov. 12, 2023. This means that Diwali kicks off on Friday Nov. 10 and is celebrated through Tuesday Nov. 14, marking the final day of the festival.
source: people.com
