Diwali

Ameya Pillai

Diwali diyas, the clay oil lamps placed on doorsteps as a part of celebrating Diwali.

What is Diwali?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali and Deepawali, is the Hindu festival of lights. In Bengal, Diwali is known as Kali Pujos in Bengal and Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas. Despite being known as a Hindu festival, it is also celebrated by Sikhs and Jains. The name stems from the Sanskrit word “deepavali”, which means “row of lamps”. The date depends on the position of the moon, but it usually occurs between October and November.

What does Diwali symbolize?

Diwali is a celebration of good triumphing against evil. Despite celebrating many different stories, it is mainly associated with the story of the return of Hindu deity Rama to the city of Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. They returned after a 14 year exile, as well as a war in which Lord Rama defeated the evil demon king, Ravana. However, other deities are celebrated as well.

In Nepal, Lord Krisha’s victory over the king, Narakaasura is celebrated. Many honor Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, as the lights and lamps are said to guide Goddess Lakshmi into people’s houses. This brings prosperity into the next year. In Bengal, the goddess Kali, destroyer of evil forces, is worshipped.

How is Diwali celebrated?

Diwali is celebrated across a span of 5 days. On Day 1, Dhanteras, people clean their homes. Day 2, Choti Diwali, is a day for decorating and warding off evil, which is done through religious rituals. Day 3, Lakshmi Puja, is the main day of Diwali. It starts with a prayer towards Goddess Lakshmi, and then turns into a family celebration of gifts, feasts, and fireworks. Day 4, Govardhan Puja, marks the first day of the new year. Friends and family visit to give gifts and best wishes for the New Year. It is also dedicated to worship of nature's bounty, in which food is offered, as well as the worship of the Govardhan Hill. On Day 5, also known as Bhai Dooj, the bond between brothers and sisters is celebrated, in which the sisters pray for their brothers and make a meal for them. More casual ways of celebrating Diwali include maintaining a clean home, lighting small clay , also called diyas outside the house, creating rangoli patterns, visiting friends and family, getting gifts, and eating Diwali sweets and meals.

What is the importance of Diwali?

Diwali is a celebration of good triumphing over evil, light over dark, and knowledge over ignorance. It marks the Hindu New Year, and is the time to bring people together, gain peace and prosperity through blessings, and partake in activities like feasting and decoration. It is one of the most important Indian festivals, both culturally and spiritually, and is celebrated all around the world.

Diwali has with a strong message that is the victory of good over evil. The next time you walk past a house with brightly lit diyas, remember the impactful meaning of the holiday that is represented by these small clay lamps.

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