What is Diwali?
Diwali, official name Dīpāvalī and also known as Deepavali or Deepawali, is the Hindu festival of lights. It is also India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year! Other religions celebrate it as well, such as Jainism and Sikhism, with different stories and celebrations. The name comes from the rows of clay lamps that are lighted outside homes, row means avali and clay lamps mean deepa. They are small oil lamps called ‘diyas’ and symbolise the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness.
Today marks the beginning of the five day holiday, with November eighth being the main day. The exact dates vary each year as the Hindu calendar is based on the Moon calendar but is always between October and November.
Diwali also marks the return of prince Rama (a major deity in Hinduism) after his fourteen year exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana, celebrating good over evil and light over darkness.
History
Hinduism is believed to be the oldest living religion, with roots dating back over four thousand years ago! Within Hinduism alone there are different versions of the Diwali story that vary depending on the region.
In northern India, according to The Ramayana (a Hindu epic poem from ancient India) thousands of years ago in the kingdom of Ayodhya, there was a prince called Rama. As the eldest son he was meant to inherit the throne but instead was exiled to the forest by his evil stepmother, who wanted her own son, Bharata, to be crowned as the king instead. Together with his wife, princess Sita (an incarnation of Lakshmi, Hindu goddess of wealth) and his loyal younger brother, Lakshman, he lived in the forest. After the fourteen years of exile, rescuing princess Sita from the demon king Ravana (who kidnapped her) and defeating him, Rama, Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya. The villagers honored the homecoming of their beloved prince by lighting oil lamps all over the kingdom!
Meanwhile in South India, Diwali honours the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king, Narakasura, also known as Naraka, who kidnapped sixteen thousand women and imprisoned them. Handing down harsh punishments to anyone who dared to stand up against him.
Diwali is very widely celebrated, while it is the most important festival for Hindus, it is also celebrated among Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. With each religion having its own historical narrative.
Celebration
Diwali is celebrated over the course of five days and each day holds a special importance throughout the festival. Here are how the days are usually spent:
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Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the first day of the festival. On this day homes and the surroundings are thoroughly cleaned to prepare for Diwali, the entrance is decorated with colourful lanterns and lights. Traditional rangoli (one of India’s oldest art traditions) designs are also made to welcome goddess Lakshmi. This day has also come to be known as the day for buying gold, silver and other metals, such as kitchen utensils, as it is believed to help bring good fortune.
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Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, Kali Chaudas (and more!), marks the second day of Diwali. This day is also referred to as ‘small Diwali’ as it is the day before the main day. Homes are decorated with diyas and people create rangoli on the floor using coloured powders or sand.
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Diwali, the third and main day of the festival. On this day families gather together to worship the goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha (Hindu deity of wisdom and luck, new beginnings and the remover of obstacles). Diyas are lighted, people enjoy and share food together, spend time with family and friends and watch fireworks.
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Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, marks the fourth day of Diwali. On this day it is believed that Lord Krishna protected his followers from extreme storms by lifting a hill called Govardhan, where they all took shelter under it, so Annakut is often associated with Lord Krishna and people offer their gratitude. Many also honour this day as the first day of the new year and celebrate it by exchanging gifts and showing gratitude.
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Bhai Duj, the fifth day of Diwali, is celebrating the relationship between siblings. All brothers and sisters in the family get together to spend time and enjoy a nice meal. They exchange gifts and pray for a long and happy life! According to the Hindu religion, Lord Krishna, after defeating the demon king Narakasufa, visited his sister Subhadra, she gave him a warm welcome.
Although the rituals, traditions, celebrations and historical legends can vary in each region and religion, the meaning of what the festival represents: new beginnings and the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, is what they all have in common. Never failing to bring people together in a vibrant and positive celebration!
Summary
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights
- The name comes from small oil lamps made of clay called ‘diyas’
- Diwali falls between October and November based on the Moon calendar
- In Northern India they celebrate the story of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya
- In Southern India they celebrate it as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon king Narakasura
- Diwali is also celebrated among Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. With each religion and region having its own historical narrative
- Diwali is celebrated over the course of five days and each day holds a special importance throughout the festival
Shubh Deepavali! (Happy Diwali!)
