Term Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali” which means “row of lights”. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
Every year, the date of this festival is calculated with the help of Hindu lunar calendar. Preparation for Diwali celebrations, begins weeks before the festival.
For this day, not only homes, shops, offices, but trees in nearby vicinities within the reach and other buildings are decorated with lights, candles, diyas, and rangoli. This is the time for all the people to meet their family and friends, and exchange gifts. Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped during these days and especially on Diwali night for wealth, health, and prosperity. People like to burn crackers and sky shots.
This day marks and integral part of people’s lives not only in India but also in other parts of the world. Just for one of the many examples, city of Leicester, in the United Kingdom, holds the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India. Every year, tens of thousands of people gather in the streets to enjoy vibrant shows of light, music, and dance.
Just like an uncommon fact above, gathered underneath are some more interesting and unknown facts about Diwali
According to innumerable legends, Diwali festival all connected with the victory of Lord Rama over Demon Ravana. It is believed that after defeating Ravana, on this day Lord Rama reached Ayodhya along with Sita and Lakshmana. The natives of then Ayodhya welcomed Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana with many decorations. Also they illuminated the pathway with many diyas. According to Jain, on this day Lord Mahavira attained moksha (salvation).
The word Diwali is derived from Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means “row of lights”.
The exact dates for Diwali change every year and completely depend on the moon cycle.
The history of facts and traditions related to Diwali dates back nearly three eras. However, there are no exact dates due to varied religions, mythologies, and rich history.
Although Diwali is an important religious festival in India. Along with Hindus, the festival of light is also celebrated by Sikhs and Jains on account of different beliefs and values.
Per mythologically, this day is celebrated as the birthday of the Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi. It is believed that the deity was born out of the Samudra Manthan, on the same day.
On Diwali people lit diyas and lamps to help Goddess Lakshmi find her way into peoples’ homes, bringing prosperity.
Alongside Goddess Lakshmi, the God of intelligence Lord Ganesha is also worshipped. Worship of the duo symbolizes opening the door of wealth with intelligence.
In Bengal people worship Goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil forces, on Diwali.
Nepal celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the wicked king Narakaasura.
Buddhists celebrate Diwali to commemorate the time, in the 3rd Century BCE, when Emperor Ashoka adopted and embraced Buddhism.
Apart from India, it is believed that the English city of Leicester hosts the biggest Diwali celebrations for its population.
The countries observing the official national holiday for Diwali in Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Marking the beginning of winter Diwali also symbolizes the start of a new sowing season and new business accounts.
Diwali is the only occasion when the rival country India and Pakistan put aside their hostilities and join hands to celebrate festivals of joy and exchange sweets.
These are some of the unknown facts about Diwali. Various cultural events are done in different parts of the country and world to mark the importance of light festival.
Wish you a very Happy Diwali !