Diwali, sometimes called Deepawali, is a Hindu festival of lights observed by Indians all over the world. Deepavali, which literally translates to “a row of lights,” is one of the most important Hindu holidays, lasting five days.
Diwali is noteworthy not only because of its widespread popularity and spectacular fireworks displays, but also because it represents the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Each home is embellished with a variety of coloured lights and diyas. The entire country is bathed in a beautiful glow of light and warmth emanating from every home, creating a wonderfully breathtaking scene.
Diwali is also a cleaning rite, since it represents letting go of all of the previous year’s problems and troubles and walking into the light. Families join together in the days leading up to Diwali to clean, refurbish, and decorate their homes and workplaces with rangolis and diyas.
Diwali heralds the arrival of winter and the start of all things new, both in nature and in people’s lives.
History
Diwali’s origins can be traced back to ancient India, when it most likely began as a great harvest festival. Diwali’s beginnings vary from place to region, as they do with many Hindu celebrations, which can be traced in large part to a culture of stories and legends passed down through centuries through the spoken word.
Diwali is thought to commemorate the celebration of Goddess Laxmi’s marriage to Lord Vishnu, according to some. Some even regard this day to be her fortunate birthday, as it is widely believed that she was born on a new moon in the month of Kartika (Amavasya). Each of the five days of Diwali has its own meaning and name, with the first day – Naraka Chaturdasi – commemorating Lord Krishna’s and his wife Satyabhama’s victory over the demon Naraka.
Devotees worship to the Goddess Laxmi on the second day, Amavasya, because many think she is in a particularly compassionate moon during this time and frequently grants desires to her devotees. People also tell the narrative of Lord Vishnu, who took the form of a dwarf and banished Bali to hell on Amavasya. Bali is only allowed to travel the world again at the festival of lights, spreading Lord Vishnu’s message of love, compassion, and knowledge while also lighting diyas along the way.
Bali emerges from Hell on the third day, Kartika Shudda Padyami, and rules the earth according to Lord Vishnu’s boons. Yama Dvitiya, also known as Bhai Dooj, is observed on the fourth day and is linked with sisters bringing their brothers into their homes.
Dhanteras, the fifth day, is a festival of wealth and prosperity. It is celebrated two days before Diwali, and people all over the world bet since it is believed that whomever gambles on this day will be blessed with fortune for the rest of the year, thanks to Goddess Parvati’s favour. On this day, Goddess Parvati is said to have played dice with her husband, Lord Shiva.
We might pray to the Gods for guidance and patience amid the Covid-19 pandemic this Diwali. Wishing you a pleasant and safe Diwali.
