Diwali - Festival of Lights

Diwali: The Festival of Lights

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, falls in either October or November depending on the Lunar calendar of the year. Diwali marks the New Year in the Hindu calendar.  The Festival is on the Amavaysa of the Kartika month. In some regions of India, the festival is five days long, with the third day being the main day of celebration. Diwali is one of the most celebrated, important, cultural festivals for Hindus. It is a very joyful and exciting holiday. Though the tradition is the same, it may be celebrated differently throughout the various regions of India.

Each day of the festival of Diwali has a specific name and ritual. The first day is known as Dhanteras. On Dhanteras, the start of Diwali, houses and business are cleaned and rangoli and diyas are set out as decorations. People traditionally buy gold and silver on Dhanteras, and perform Lakshmi puja in the evening. The second day of Diwali is known as Naraka Chaturdasi, or Choti Diwali. Henna and homemade sweets are made on Choti Diwali in preparation for the biggest day. On Diwali day, the main Lakshmi puja is held, and Goddess Lakshmi herself is invited into homes. Sparklers and fireworks are used for exciting celebrations after the puja, and feasts and mithai are abundant. The fourth day of Diwali is known as Padwa. Padwa is important for the bond between husband and wife, and celebrates the love and devotion they share. On this loving occasion, the whole family performs puja in honor of Lord Krishna. The last day of the festival of lights is called Bhaj dooj, meaning Brother’s second. Bhaj dooj celebrates the bond between brother and sister, similar to Raksha Bhandan. Women get together and perform a puja to honor their brothers, and festivities are shared between siblings all day. 

As with many Hindu festivals, many different legends serve to explain the significance of Diwali. One story is that of Lord Rama, who returned home after 14 years of exile. Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana of Lanka, and marked the victory of good over evil. Lord Rama was warmly welcomed home by the people of Ayodhya, who had been waiting for him for many years. They lit the roads with little lamps, or diyas, to show Lord Rama the way home, and to show their affection for their king. It was a huge celebration that day. This is Diwali, the festival of lights. 

Also in accordance with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, Diwali is associated with the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and right over wrong. On Diwali, people decorate their homes both internally and externally with many beautiful, colorful diyas and other lights. Along with extravagant decorations, homes are cleaned and displayed beautifully for Goddess Lakshmi. As mentioned previously, it is believed that on Diwali night, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, visits each household and gives her blessings. This is why we pray to Her on Diwali.

Throughout the festival of lights, people often purchase new things which they believe are for Goddess Lakshmi. Besides the purchase of gold and silver on Dhanteras, these purchases include anything from gifts and housewares to clothing and sweets. Traditionally gifts are distributed amongst members of the family, and friends, and the household employees. Children all wear new clothes and ladies dress in their fineries.

Each region in India has its own special ways of celebrating Diwali, but regardless of the differences, all of India and Hindus everywhere celebrate the wonderful time of year that is the Festival of Diwali.

Written by Arushi Agarwal

Director  HYSC 2015