In India, Diwali can also be known as Divali, Dewali or Deepavali. In Nepal, it is called Tihar or Swanti. It known as the Festival of Lights.
What does Diwali mean?
It means "rows of lighted lamps".
Who is it observed by?
It is observed by many Indians and Nepalese, who celebrate its cultural aspects. The religions which observe this festival include Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism, as well as some Buddhists in Nepal. It is compared to Christmas in western countries where the holiday is recognized, although not everybody celebrates it in the religious sense of the word.
The dates of the celebration differ by community. If you follow the Indian national calendar, the Amanta, the celebration is spread over the last four days of the month of Ashwin and the first two days of the month of Kartika. In the Gregorian calendar this would be October or November.
When is Diwali this year?
In 2008, Diwali will be celebrated on October 28th. The festival lasts 6 days.
What exactly does Diwali celebrate?
Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country.
- In north India, Diwali celebrates the deity Rama's homecoming (the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king)
- In Gujarat, the festival honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth
- In Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali
- Everywhere, it signifies the renewal of life
- It marks the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season
- It celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance
The Times of India has summed up the modern meaning of Diwali:
"Regardless of the mythological explanation one prefers, what the festival of lights really stands for today is a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a religiously sanctioned celebration of the simple - and some not so simple - joys of life."
- Everything is decorated with rows of small oil lamps called diyas, usually fueled by mustard oil
- Candles or neon lights are used instead, especially in urban areas
- Lamps are lit and doors/windows are opened to help the goddess Lakshmi find her way into people's homes
- Rangoli, or patterns, are drawn on the floors - a popular pattern is the lotus flower, because Lakshmi usually is holding one or sitting on one
How do they celebrate?
Festive meals are prepared during this time. Sweets are also given out at this time - so many children must love this holiday! Celebrations include firecrackers and fireworks, buying and exchanging gifts, and spring-cleaning and redecorating homes. It is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival.
- Business people regard it as a favourable day to start a new accounting year because of the festival's association with the goddess of wealth.
- Diwali marks the end of the harvest season in most of India. Farmers are celebrate a good harvest, and pray for a good harvest for the year to come.
- Oil lamps are often floated across the river Ganges - it is regarded as a good omen if the lamp manages to get all the way across.
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