Diwali Festival: History, Significance & Celebration
Diwali is a Religious Festival in India. This festival is also known as the Festival of Light. Diwali is one of the Most Important Hindu Festivals in India. Diwali is celebrated by bursting firecrackers, lighting Diyas or Earthen lamps, cleaning and decorating their homes, buying new clothes, and making hand-painted Rangoli designs in their living rooms and courtyards. Prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. Here are some short stories about Diwali and many more things that you get to know.
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When Is Diwali in 2020, 2021 & 2022?
Diwali falls in either October or November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. It’s observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar.
In 2020, Diwali is on November 14.
In 2021, Diwali is on November 4.
In 2022, Diwali is on October 24.
Diwali Meaning
Diwali, also known as Deepavali comes from the Sanskrit word Dipawali meaning “Row or Series of Lights”. We can see millions of lamps lit at homes, temples, shops, and public buildings across the world.
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Why is Diwali Celebrated? |
Significance of Diwali
Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil. The festival marks the return of Lord Rama after defeating the demon king Ravana. Bonfires are lit to burn away evil spirits.
History of the Diwali Festival
As the festival comes closer, the question frequently comes to our mind: why is Diwali celebrated?
Legend 1
The festival, which is one of the most significant for those of the Hindu faith, can trace its origins back to ancient times “when the end of the summer harvest the season was celebrated with much pomp and splendor”.
Legend 2
Another main theme of Diwali is the recollection of a story called Ramayan, which details how the Hindu God Rama returned to his kingdom with his wife Sita, and his brother, Lakshman, after 14 years of exile. To illuminate the path through which they return and in order to guide them home, Diyas (clay lamps) are lit everywhere and the world is bathed in golden hues of light.
Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity, is also celebrated in Hindu households during the festival.
Preparation for Diwali Festival
The Diwali festival starts with cleaning the home. We can see people cleaning their homes, office, and workplace.
Diwali shopping is the main attraction before the actual festival day. New clothes, sweets, and gifts are purchased in every home.
For the Diwali fiesta puja and rituals, earthen lamps and LED lights, and candles are purchased for lighting. Firecrackers are purchased for the Diwali celebration.
Lighting & Decoration
Decoration with Earthen Lamp
Decoration with LED lights
Decoration by Rangoli Making
Decoration with Candle
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5 Days of Diwali |
Diwali Festival Celebration
Diwali is widely celebrated by many religions. Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Bouddh Communities celebrate the Diwali festival every year.
Sikhs Celebrate Diwali Festival
Diwali coincides with the Sikh celebration of Bandi Chhor Divas, a religious holiday that commemorates the release of Sikh Guru Hargobind Ji from the Gwalior Fort in India in the 17th century.
The Guru, who was imprisoned by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, was standing against the emperor’s regime’s oppression of the Indian people. Loosely translated, Bandi Chhor means ‘release of incarcerated people. So to Sikhs, the festival represents freedom.
Buddhists & Jains Celebrate Diwali
Buddhists and Jains “have other historical reasons” for celebrating Diwali.
Diwali is one of the biggest Religious Festivals in India.
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Diya Decoration |
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Diwali Fire-Crackers |
Also Read-
Short Essay on Diwali in English | Short Paragraph on Diwali
Essay on Diwali Celebration | Diwali Festival Essay
Diwali Festival Wishes | Diwali Festival Quotes
