0
Diwali is a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. The word Diwali means "festival of lights." Diwali can also be called 'dipawali.' On Diwali people light rows of lights to commemorate heroic figures in Indian mythology who triumphed over the forces of evil. Also people clean their homes and open all their windows and doors to welcome luck and good fortune during Diwali. The exchange of gifts is also traditional during this holiday, and many people host dinners and Diwali parties.
Purpose of celebrating Diwali:
There are seven basic Hindu gods viz. Indra, Shakti, Brahma,Vishnu, Shiva, Shani and Yama. Of these Vishnu is the one and only god who enables to know our real worth.
Thus, once in an year, during Diwali we try to get a correct picture of our worth.
It should be noted that many business people consider the first day of Diwali as the first day of their financial year.
Hindus have several significant events associated with Diwali:
- Killing of Ravana by Rama
- The return of Rama after 14 years of Vanvas (banishment). To welcome his return, diyas (ghee lamps) were lit in rows of 20.
- The killing of the evil demon Narakasura by Krishna. Celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, one day before Deepavali.
- Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Deepavali and is the day Krishna defeated Indra, the deity of thunder and rain.
- Return of Pandavas after 12 years of Vanvas and one year of agyatavas (living incognito).
- Killing of Bali by Vamana incarnation of Vishnu.
What is interesting is the fact that it is always the incarnation of Vishnu that is involved.
Brahma and Diwali:
Brahma is one of the least worshiped Hindu god because its use results in the creation of a demonic and indestructible, parallel life. Ravana, Narakasura and Bali symbolize this demonic life only. Vishnu destroys this unwanted life during Diwali.
The row of lamps:
In early days, a man's status was determined by his average achievement. However, in the materialistic world our status is determined by our achievements in just a handful of activities. The row of lamps symbolizes the handful of activities.
Hindus believe that a prince got stuck in the woods and lost princess Sita. She was stolen by an evil spirit and 3 years later the prince found her and they went back into their town. The town celebrated them coming back by putting up garlands and lighting candles. that's why its called the festival of light.
Many modern day Sikhs and Hindus celebrate Diwali by lighting diva candles and they may use fireworks to, they also visit family and friends and have special food.
Diwali or Deepavali, popularly known as the "festival of lights", is an important festival in not just Hinduism but also Jainism, and Sikhism.
In each legend, tradition and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil.
From darkness into light - the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope.
Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside India, it is more than a Hindu festival, it is a celebration of South-Asian identities.
Source: thediwalifestival.com
Diwali is the most well-known of the Indian festivals. It usually takes place eighteen days after Dusshera. It is colloquially known as the "festival of lights".
hindus celebrate diwali to mark the return of lord rama from 14 years of exile. they also celebrate diwali to pray goddess laxmi for wealth.
its the day Ram returned from the jungle and rescued his wife Sita from ravan who had the strength of ten people
Diwali is the most well-known of the Indian festivals. It usually takes place eighteen days after Dusshera. It is colloquially known as the "festival of lights".
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How Diwali got to the Caribbean?
The majority of the people in the Caribbean do not celebrate Diwali, as it is a hindu festival.
When does Hindu's celebrate Diwali?
Diwali falls in October/ November. This year on 13/11/2012.
How do Sikhs celebrate Diwali differently than Hindus?
Hindu celerbrate longer
Is Diwali a spring festival?
Diwali is a festival cause hindus and Sikhs celebrate it
Why do Indians only celebrate Diwali?
The reason for celebrating diwali comes from hindu's mythology. The majority of hindus live in India.
How does Hindu's celebrate Diwali?
Hindus worship goddess Lakshmi on the occasion of Diwali. They exchange gifts and sweets among friends.
When did the Hindu's celebrate first Diwali?
Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of vanvasa. It was the time when hindus first celebrated Diwali.
What nations of people celebrate Diwali?
India and any other surrounding countries where majority are Hindu.
What are the similarities between Sikh Diwali and Hindu Diwali?
the similarities are that in both festival candels and diyas are use. Diwali is celebrate by hindusms people while Christmas is celebrate by Cristian people
What are the major festivals in Jainism?
jain's celebrate Diwali and all other hindu festivals and MAhavira's jayanti
How Diwali can affect religious and nonreligious?
Hindus invite other religions to celebrate Diwali with them and the people who are NOT Hindu's sometimes like that religion and decide to change theirs
What does the Diwali celibrate?
Diwali is one of the most popular Hindu holidays. Diwali reminds me of the Christian holiday Christmas, because both celebrate by decorating their homes with lights and other beautiful decorations.
