DIWALI

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Diwali is a divine fiesta of elegant and flamboyant lights. Diwali, even though being a Hindu festival is celebrated all over the world. Diwali is not only a festival of one single day, it lasts a week or maybe more.



WHY IS DIWALI CELEBRATED?

Deepavali is celebrated as a marker of the triumph of good over evil, content over desolate, hope over despair, right over wrong, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. This is believed to be the day when Lord Rama—the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu— returned to his kingdom’s people after being exiled for fourteen years by his own stepmother, whom he loved more than his mother.



This happened because his stepmother was induced by one of her very beloved slaves that if Rama became king, she and her son wont be given equal rights and respect. She was so influenced that she ordered King Dashratha to outcast his own son. Lord Rama was very selfless as a result of which he followed his stepmother’s wish of him being exiled for fourteen years. His brother Lakshmana and wife Goddess Sita also decided to join Rama while exiled. Lord Rama’s people loved him very much because he was just and kind; just the perfect king. 

And knowing that he wouldn’t be there for whole fourteen years shredded darkness upon Ayodhya. During his exile he also killed the demons and the demon king, Ravana—who had abducted Goddess Sita. So to continue this victory and make this love eternal we celebrate Diwali.



WHAT THE PEOPLE DO?

Everyone cleans and decorates their houses and offices a day before Diwali. Diwali—as said in the preamble—isn’t a one-day festival. Two days before Diwali it is Dhanteras, when people buy gold and silver to prostrate in reverence to Goddess Lakshmi. On the second day, Nakara Chaturdasi is celebrated where the decorations start. The third day is Diwali, when people dress up in their finest attires and pray in respect to all the Gods and Goddesses. Especially, Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity—so as to impress her throughout the year—and Lord Vishnu—so that He showers the with happiness throughout the year. After Diwali, the fourth day is Goverdhan, which promotes wife-husband bond. The fifth and last day is Bhai Dooj, promoting sister-brother bond.


Another important aspect of Deepavali are fireworks. Ah, they make Diwali what it is. One can hear the bursts of fireworks throughout the day—no matter what the time is. People make rangolis which are colorful patterns made on the floor. The diyas (candles and lamps) are lit and placed in every corner so as to remove every sight of darkness and invite both God and happiness in the houses.


OTHER FESTIVALS THAT FALL ON THE SAME DAY

Diwali does not only hold connotation for Hindus but also for Jains who celebrate a festival also called Diwali. However, the significance of the Diwali for them is completely different. It marks the emancipation of Mahavira’s soul at Pawapuri on 15 October 527 BCE. It is believed that Mahavira attained liberation at the dawn of new moon. The Jain new year starts from the next day of Diwali. Jains, on Diwali morning offer ladoos of liberation to Lord Mahavira in all temples across the world.

 DIWALI LIGHTS UP OUR HEARTS!


To sum up, Diwali is not just a festival, it is a period of time when one can reap their souls and change themselves into a better human being. Goddess Lakshmi is believed to enter the houses which are the purest, because of which people keep the lights on in their houses and offices. Diwali—in simple words—is a festival of light, hope and change.

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