New Delhi: India is a country with vibrant cultures and traditions. Many festivals are celebrated in the country and across all religions, and many are done on a large scale. One of the most important and biggest festivals in India is Diwali, also pronounced as Deepavali. This festival brightens up the mood of every Indian and is celebrated by all religions. Today, on the occasion of Deepavali, let us look at some facts about the festival.
Diwali 2024: What to know about the festival of lights?
There are many myths and stories related to Diwali. First and most known is the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana and Lord Ram returning to Ayodhya after 14 years. Another legend says that Maa Lakshmi came out of Samudra Manthan on this day. It is believed that diyas and lamps are lit to honour the Goddess. Maa Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped on this day.
In Jainism, on this day, it is believed that Lord Mahavira attained ‘moksha or salvation’. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas on Diwali. According to legends, on this day, the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, was freed from imprisonment in 1619. It was on Diwali that Guru Hargobind Sahib returned home to his followers. In Buddhism, Buddhists celebrate Diwali to commemorate the time in the 3rd Century BCE when Emperor Ashoka adopted and embraced the religion.
The word Diwali is derived from the ancient Indian language Sanskrit, which means “row of lights.” The exact date on which Diwali is celebrated depends on the moon cycle.
Diwali is not a one-day festival; it is a five-day festival that begins with Dhanteras, followed by Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaudas or Naraka Chaturdashi, Badi Diwali (the main Diwali), Ankoot or Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj or Bhaiya Dooj.
In many parts of the country, Diwali is celebrated differently. In Bengal, people observe Kali Puja.
The English city of Leicester is believed to host the biggest Diwali celebrations.
The countries that also observe Diwali are Nepal, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, and more.
Diwali marks the onset of winter and symbolises the beginning of a new sowing season and business accounts.
