A festival of light and a fight between good and evil!
What is Diwali?
Diwali goes by many names; it is a “festival of lights” that celebrates the triumph of light over dark / good over evil, and the blessings of victory, freedom, and enlightenment. The name comes from the traditional language of India: Sanksrit. On the night of Diwali people celebrate by lighting candles and clay lamps known as 'diyas'. They put them throughout their homes and in the streets to light up the night.
Many people celebrate Diwali a little differently depending on local stories. For example, in northern India they celebrate the story of King Rama's return after he defeated Ravana. In southern India they celebrate Lord Krishna after he defeated a demon, and in western India they celebrate the day Lord Vishnu defeated a demon king. The common theme among all of the different stories is the victory of good over evil.
Who celebrates Diwali?
Hindus, Sikhs and Jains and some Newar Buddhists all celebrate Diwali. These are all followers of different Indian Religions and each sect has its own spin on the meaning of the festival. For example Hindus celebrate the return of their deities (Gods) Rama and Sita after their 14-year exile. But during Diwali, Jains celebrate the moment when the founder of the religion, Lord Mahavira, reached a state of nirvana. Sikhs and Newar Buddhists also have their own versions!
How do you celebrate Diwali day-to-day?
Day 1 - Dhanteras, or Day of fortune
On the first day of Diwali people clean their homes and businesses to welcome Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. It is a lucky day to buy gold or other metals, so people buy jewelry, cars and other goods made of metal. It is estimated that ¥580,000,000 is spent by Indians over Diwali!
Day 2 - Naraka Chaturdashi
The second day is spent preparing or buying special food (especially sweets, called mithai), as well as praying for the spirits of ancestors in the afterlife.
According to Hindu stories, the demon Narakasura was killed on this day. The day is all about getting rid of anything bad. People get up early, wash and put on clean or new clothes. Afterwards, they will celebrate by having a special breakfast with their friends and family. It is a day for visiting friends, business associates and relatives, and for exchanging gifts.
Day 3 - Lakshmi Pujan
On the main day of the festival, families gather together and pray to Goddess Lakshmi, followed by delicious feasts and fireworks.
Day 4 - Annakut
Annakut means ‘mountain of food’. Hindus prepare lots of food and take it to the temple to celebrate the beginning of the new year. Communities will prepare over one hundred dishes, which are dedicated to Krishna before being shared among the community. Also, Hindu temples on this day prepare and present "mountains of sweets" to the faithful who have gathered for a visit.
Day 5 - Bhai Duj
Bhaj Duj literally translates as 'brothers day'. This is the last day of Diwali, and it celebrates the relationship between brother and sister. In historic times, this was a day in the autumn when brothers would travel to meet their sisters, or invite their sister's family to their village to celebrate the seasons harvest.
Though the stories and traditions can vary, the celebrations for Diwali always include lots of food, time with family and sharing Prosperity.
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