For those of Indian descendants across the country and across the world, Diwali is one of the most celebrated holidays, according to the Hindu American Foundation. The festival's name is derived from its Sanskrit phrase Deepavali meaning "row of light," which is a source of light every year, and celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It's the perfect time to get together with loved ones and enjoy the warmth of one another's company while getting ready for the successful year to come.
Like other religious and cultural celebrations, people celebrate Diwali (sometimes also known as Divali) in various ways throughout the culturally diverse regions of India and across the world diaspora. It is celebrated by those who adhere to Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh faiths, as well as people who are of Indian and non-Indian ancestry This year of Diwali 2022 which is usually the biggest celebration, will occur on October 24, 2022.
What's Diwali?
Diwali is a time to celebrate returning of prince Rama of Ayodhya and his wife Sita along with his younger brother Lakshman following 14 years in exile. According to the Hindu American Foundation clarifies. In the Hindu tradition, prince Rama is believed to be the avatar of Lord Vishnu and a symbol of dharma, or righteousness. Sita is the incarnation of the Lakshmi goddess of prosperity and wealth. The inhabitants of Ayodhya were so pleased that the king and queen had returned that they lit candles to honor them, part of the festivities which is still a major part of the celebrations of today.
Other customs acknowledge Diwali as the day when Lord Krishna was defeated by the demonic King Narakasura and, for certain regions of India the festival also falls to a Hindu New Year. However, many people celebrate it more broadly as a time to spend time with family and friends eating and look toward the new year.
Then what happens on Diwali?
Since the holiday is celebrated by a wide number of people who have their own religious backgrounds and traditions Many people are celebrating the celebrations in their own distinct ways, however, it's usually an occasion for family gatherings doing actions of dagna (charitable gift-giving) as well as the Seva (selfless serving) as well as thorough cleaning, decorating homes and performing religious rituals as well as stringing up lights and reflecting on values that are deeply held. The celebrations can last for five days, with each one having its individual significance.
Dhanteras- The Day of Dhanteras has dedicated goddess Lakshmi and the people typically celebrate the day by cleaning their homes and creating rangolis or Kolam intricate designs created on the floor using rice, powder, flowers, or sand. People often shop, and cook sweet and delicious Indian snacks to share with their friends.
Chhoti Diwali (also known as Kalichaudas)- The 2nd day of the festival, sometimes referred to in the tradition of "small Diwali" is often spent in preparation for the biggest celebration which occurs in the middle of the day. The people also pray for those who have died deceased family members and showcase clay lamps, also known as diya.
Diwali - The third and most important day out of the five of Diwali is a time to dress in new clothes, go to the temple for a puja or worship as well as the lighting of diyas and another lighting around the home and have fireworks displays. This is a time to gather with loved ones, eating as well as play games of luck, particularly card games.
Annakut, Padwa, Govardhan Puja - The fourth day of Diwali is the first day of the New Year for many regions of India It is a time to be grateful for the year that has passed and looks forward to the next one and gives small gifts. A few people also are also known to perform pujas to bring prosperity into the new year. The day is also the day to celebrate the relationship of wives and husbands and to celebrate the love of Rama Sita and Sita.
Bhai Duj - The fifth day and the final day of Diwali is a day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters. As a result, family members frequently visit each other on this day and enjoy an evening meal.
How do people celebrate?
Diwali celebrations typically comprise small gifts like jewelry, mementos, items for the home, or items that have significance as explained by Shereen Bhalla. Like many other celebrations, food items play a significant part too. "In particular, it's normal to see Besan ladoos distributed - they are made of chickpeas Ghee, palm sugar, ghee, and cardamom," she says and notes that certain recipes (and gifts in general) are dependent on the region and the people celebrations.
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