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Diwali is a joyous Hindu celebration that honors Lakshmi, Goddess of beauty, fortune and prosperity, with fireworks, the sharing of sweets and the opportunity to decorate the home with bright colors and lights. In fact, many people interpret the spirit of Diwali as a time to express their best creativity in order to receive divine... more »
An important part of the Hindu celebration of Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is to dress according to the various traditions. The festivities during Diwali are marked by vibrant colors, as well as the themes of light and illumination, so wear clothes that reflect the joy and excitement of this 5-day celebration. more »
Diwali, which is also known as the "Festival of Lights," is a five-day festival which celebrates the triumph of good over evil and hope for all mankind. Originating in India, Diwali, which is also known as Deepavali in the southernmost part of the country, is a time for fireworks, the lighting of lamps and strengthening the bonds of... more »
In late 2007, both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed resolutions recognizing the importance of the festival of Diwali. Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, remains an important religious, cultural and historical festival both in India and within immigrant Indian populations in the United States.... more »
Rangoli is a popular art form that traditionally uses rice colored with pigment to create extensive patterns and designs. Rangoli is often seen on the ground outside of homes at any time, but it is also common to decorate with Rangoli during the 5-day festival of Diwali. Learn more about this ancient practice and how to decorate with... more »
The Hindu New Year, Diwali marks the triumph of light over spiritual darkness and evil....
Diwali, the Hindu holiday that is also known as the Festival of Lights, is a 5-day celebration that centers around the bonding of families.... more »
The 5-day festival of Diwali commemorates several events in the Hindu religion. After 14 years in exile, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya, Lord... more »
Diwali is a Hindu festival that is also known as the Festival of Lights. The reason for this is that the lighting of a diya lamp in honor of... more »
The Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago is an excellent place to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali, since approximately 43 percent... more »
Diwali is one of the most anticipated and celebrated festivals in India that occurs in the month of Ashwayuja on the Hindu calendar, or sometime... more »
Diwali or (, , , ,, , , ) is a significant 5-day festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism occurring between mid October and mid November. It is also popularly known as the Festival of Lights. Diwali is an official holiday in India, Guyana, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.
The word (Dipavali) literally translates as a row of lamps in Sanskrit. It is traditional for adherents of Diwali-celebrating faiths to light small clay lamps (or Deep in ) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil within an individual. During Diwali, many wear new clothes and share sweets/snacks with each other. Some Indian business communities start their financial year by opening new account books on the first day of Diwali for good luck the following year.
In Hinduism, Diwali marks the return of Lord Raama to his kingdom Ayodhya after defeating Ravana (the Demon King, and also the demons KING) - the ruler of Lanka in the epic story of Ramayana. It also celebrates the slaying of the demon king Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Both signify the victory of good over evil. In Jainism, Diwali marks the attainment of moksa by Mahavira in 527 BC."N. Upadhye, Review 1982 pp. 231-232"> . In Sikhism, Diwali commemorates the return of Guru Har Gobind Ji to Amritsar after freeing 52 other Hindu kings imprisoned in Fort Gwalior by Emperor Jahangir. He was welcomed by the people who lit candles and divas to celebrate his return, which is why Sikhs also refer to Diwali also as Bandi Chhorh Divas meaning "the day of release of detainees".
Diwali is considered to be a national festival in India and Nepal. The aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed around the world regardless of faith.
When is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated for 5 days according to the lunar Hindu Calendar. It begins in late Ashwin (September-October) and ends in early Kartika (October-November). The first day is Dhan Teras, 13th day of the dark half of Ashwin. The last day is read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali
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