When was Diwali?
Nov 02, 2024
India is regarded as the land of vibrant festivities. Known as the ‘Festival of Light’, Diwali is the brightest festival of all which is celebrated with enormous zeal and enthusiasm. The word 'Diwali' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Deepavali', which means 'rows of light'. Observed on the new moon night of the Indian lunisolar month of Kartik, it celebrates the victory of virtue over evil. Diwali is celebrated by every religion with equal vigor creating an ambiance of happiness and joy throughout the country.
Diwali or Deepavali is one of the brightest festivals of India, celebrated by all, irrespective of religion or community. This festival of lights is marked by four days of celebration and each day has its tale/ legend. The first day of the festival is Naraka Chaturdasi which marks the defeat of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. The second day of the Deepavali is Amavasya which marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth who is believed to shower prosperity and happiness on her devotees. On the third day of Deepavali is Kartika Shudda Padyami when Bali comes out of hell and rules the earth after getting the blessings of Lord Vishnu. The fourth day is also known as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj) and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes for puja and get together. On that special day, your gift will be there, reminding them of you and making them smile so you can send diwali gifts to India to make it special for your loved ones.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali is celebrated on the day of Amavasya (new moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik. Bring prosperity and good fortune to your homes by seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. The preparations for Diwali start much before the occasion. Diwali is regarded as one of the most important shopping periods. Households buy apparel, jewelry, home decor, and many more during this festival. People renovate and refurbish their homes and beautify them with candles, diyas, and strings of electric lights. The floors are decorated with delightful rangolis. Everyone adorns new clothes especially traditional attires. People celebrate the day with their family, relatives, and friends. On this day, every business firm arranges a special Laxmi and Ganesh puja on their premise. On this occasion, you can also send diwali gifts to India to your loved ones from our website and make the day special for them.
Diwali is a day of celebration among the Hindus and Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains. Apart from India, this day is a holiday in Fiji, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and other parts of South and Southeast Asia. In Sikhism, this day is known as Bandi Chhor Divas as their sixth guru - Guru Hargobind was released from the Mughal Prison on this day. The Jains too observe this day, to commemorate Lord Mahavir’s attainment of Nirvana. The followers of the Newar sect of Buddhism worship the Goddess Lakshmi on this day. The Hindus too have various different ways of celebrating this day. Keeping traditions alive, the Bengalis worship Goddess Kali on this day, most of north and north-west India pray to Goddess Lakshmi, and some even pray to Lord Ram.
Diwali is one of the grandest festivals celebrated in India. This festival of lights comes at the beginning of winter and sets the perfect celebratory mood with its warm glow. This celebration commemorates the homecoming of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Shri Vishnu after his 14 years of exile. The Indian homes are decorated with earthen lamps and electric light strings today. Goddess Lakshmi is also worshipped along with Lord Ganesha to bring happiness and prosperity to one’s home.
Diwali is a five-day Hindu festival celebrated across the length and breadth of India. The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali which translates to ‘an array of lights’. The five days of this festival are Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdasi, Diwali, Annakut, and Bhai-Dooj. The Jains and Sikhs too consider this day as auspicious as Lord Mahavir attained his Nirvana on this Day and the sixth Guru of the Sikhs - Guru Hargobind was released from prison respectively. There are various rituals and customs associated with the Festival of Lights. They are different in different parts of the country. But the enthusiasm with which this festival is welcomed is uniform across India. Make this day special for your loved ones in India with significant gifts and heartfelt greetings.
The festival of light, Diwali, is among the most popular festivals around the world and especially in India. Diwali historically celebrates the return of Rama, Lakshman, and Sita after their exile of fourteen years. This is also the day of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and thus Deepavali celebrates this Goddess of wealth. The word Diwali or Deepavali can be segregated as ‘deep’ or ‘lamp’ and ‘avali’ or ‘series’. This celebration takes place on the Amavasya or new moon night in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik.
Diwali is arguably the most popular festival in India and there is a lot of pomp and show involving the ‘festival of lights.’ Millions of Jains, Hindus, and Sikhs celebrate Diwali every single year. Fireworks and celebratory events are only the exteriors of this auspicious festival. It is a festival that unites families and brings people closer. The festival marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It is a symbol of new beginnings and the victory of good over evil. The festival takes place over a period of 5 days but the actual day of Diwali falls on the third day, after Dhanteras and Chhoti Diwali.
Celebration of Diwali is associated with eradicating all the darkness and spreading light and hope in every corner of our life. Predominantly a five-day festivity, people celebrate the day by decorating their homes, burning crackers, and exchanging gifts. The day holds huge significance in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It is believed that on this pious day, Lord Rama after defeating the demon King Ravana returned to his ancestral home in Ayodhya after 14 years. The people of his kingdom gave him a grand welcome by lighting diyas throughout the province. Thus, the celebration of Diwali began to commemorate the victory of truth and establish the rule of righteousness.
The festival of Diwali celebrates the true essence of our rich culture and tradition. It fills our life with gaiety and happiness. Your sincere prayers to the almighty and warm wishes to your dear ones will make the occasion memorable.
