There are many stories around the celebration of Diwali. [114][43][82] On the evening of Dhanteras, families offer prayers (puja) to Lakshmi and Ganesha, and lay offerings of puffed rice, candy toys, rice cakes and batashas (hollow sugar cakes). The meaning of Diwaliand its many legends Diwali is so widely. [48][127], The youngest members in the family visit their elders, such as grandparents and other senior members of the community, on this day. Diwali along with Holi for Hindus, and Easter for Christians, was adopted as public holiday resolution by Pakistan's parliament in 2016, giving the local governments and public institutions the right to declare Holi as a holiday and grant leave for its minority communities, for the first time. In 2013, about 25 billion (US$310million) of fireworks were sold to merchants for the Diwali season, an equivalent retail value of about 50 billion (US$630million) according to The Times of India. [129] At dusk, family members gather for the Lakshmi Pujan,[129] although prayers will also be offered to other deities, such as Ganesha, Saraswati, Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman, or Kubera. Choti Diwali is the major shopping day for festive, Annakut community meals (left), Krishna holding, A sister ritually feeding her brother on Bhai Duj-Diwali, Dhanteras, Dhanatrayodashi, Yama Deepam (Day 1), Naraka Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas, Chhoti Diwali, Hanuman Puja, Roop Chaudas, Yama Deepam (Day 2), Annakut, Balipratipada (Padwa), Govardhan Puja (Day 4), Bhai Duj, Bhau-Beej, Vishwakarma Puja (Day 5). Diwali is an important festival in Jainism. Diwali, the festival of lights, is a religious observance commemorated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists around the world. While the dates vary annually based on the Hindu lunar calendar, Diwali usually occurs in October or November. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. [109][133] According to Rachel Fell McDermott, a scholar of South Asian, particular Bengali, studies, in Bengal during Navaratri (Dussehra elsewhere in India) the Durga puja is the main focus, although in the eastern and north eastern states the two are synonymous, but on Diwali the focus is on the puja dedicated to Kali. Every autumn, the observance sees millions of people attend. It is determined by the Indian calendar and the dates of celebration change every year. It also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. The Hindu lunar calendar has two parts: dark (Krishna paksha, or "waning moon" in Sanskrit) and light (hukla paksha, or "waxing moon"), and the new moon (amavasya) always occurs in between the parts, typically on the 15th. The day of Diwali itself falls on November 4. It coincides with the day of Kali Chaudas. [109] Textual evidence suggests that Bengali Hindus worshipped Lakshmi before the colonial era, and that the Kali puja is a more recent phenomenon. The Jain Diwali celebrated in many parts of India has similar practices to the Hindu Diwali, such as the lighting of lamps and the offering of prayers to Lakshmi. Historical records appear inconsistent about the name of the lunar month in which Diwali is observed. Diwali Diwali (or Deepawali, Deepavali) is an ancient Hindu festival that is celebrated in autumn every year. In 2023, Diwali will be celebrated on 19th October (Sunday). Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Diwali, like many other Indian holidays, is based on the Indian lunar calendar, so the (internationally used) date of the festival changes each year, but it typically falls between mid-October and early November. Spiritually, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The date of Deepavali on the new moon makes it the darkest night in the month of Kartik, when the nights are cold, long, and dark: all the lights make that darkness easier to bear. The day before Diwali is remembered as Naraka Chaturdasi, the day on which Narakasura was killed by Krishna. The course of the five days includes cleaning . The names and events of the individual days of Diwali are as follows: The first day, known as Dhanteras, is dedicated to cleaning homes and purchasing small items of gold. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Sanskrit inscriptions in stone and copper mentioning Diwali, occasionally alongside terms such as Dipotsava, Dipavali, Divali and Divalige, have been discovered at numerous sites across India. To learn more, visit ISA's Instagram. [107] According to some observers, this traditional celebration by Newar Buddhists in Nepal, through the worship of Lakshmi and Vishnu during Diwali, is not syncretism but rather a reflection of the freedom within Mahayana Buddhist tradition to worship any deity for their worldly betterment.[29]. Diwali/Deepavali is a public holiday. Major celebrations occur on the third day of the five-day long festival . Deepavali means a row of lights, where 'deep' means light and 'avali' means row. [41], Diwali (English: /dwli/)[9] or Divali[44] is from the Sanskrit dpvali meaning "row or series of lights". In 2022, Diwali is on Monday 24 October. Over time, these spring and autumn festivals became the most important of Sikh festivals and holy sites such as Amritsar became focal points for annual pilgrimages. In India, while everyone celebrates Deepavali, people don't amass in public, but rather in small groups with their friends and families in homes, neighborhoods, and local temple communities. The devotion and dedication of Hanuman pleased Rama so much that he blessed Hanuman to be worshipped before him. ( See calendar ). Diwali falls in either October or November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi Devi is worshipped on this day and it is customary to purchase precious articles. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. It is an official holiday in a dozen countries, while the other festive days are regionally observed as either public or optional restricted holidays in India. Dates for 2020 to 2025." They also spend time with family and friends to enjoy good food and fireworks. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune and prosperity, is the primary deity worshiped during Diwali. [28][29][30], Diwali is also a major cultural event for the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain diaspora. [165] About two-thirds of Indian households, according to the ASSOCHAM forecast, would spend between 5,000 (US$63) and 10,000 (US$130) to celebrate Diwali in 2017. A 2017 estimate states 50,000 tons (100million pounds) of fireworks are exploded annually in India over the Diwali festival. During the festival, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs illuminate their homes, temples and workspaces with diyas (oil lamps), candles and lanterns[16] Hindus, in particular, have a ritual oil bath at dawn on each day of the festival. Holi Dates: When is Holi in 2021, 2022 and 2023? [143], The last day of the festival, the second day of the bright fortnight of Kartik, is called Bhai Duj (literally "brother's day"[146]), Bhau Beej, Bhai Tilak or Bhai Phonta. Furthermore, when specifying the masa, one of two traditions are applicable, viz. Dhan-trayodashi or Dhan teras: Dhan means "wealth" and Trayodashi means "thirteenth day." Thus, as the name . [122] A mythological interpretation of this festive day is the destruction of the asura (demon) Narakasura by Krishna, a victory that frees 16,000 imprisoned princesses kidnapped by Narakasura. In 2021, Diwali is on November 4. Diwali, also spelled Divali, is one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. One of the earliest reports on this variation was by Wilson in 1847. A variety of entertainments are usually available for inhabitants of the local community to enjoy. Some suggest he lived in the 5th-century BCE contemporaneously with the Buddha. [143], In some rural communities of the north, west and central regions, the fourth day is celebrated as Govardhan puja, honouring the legend of the Hindu god Krishna saving the cowherd and farming communities from incessant rains and floods triggered by Indra's anger,[143] which he accomplished by lifting the Govardhan mountain. These clay lamps represent "the inner light that protects each household from spiritual darkness." While each day of Diwali has its own importance, on the third day of Diwali, this year on Oct. 24, people gather at temples to honor the goddess Lakshmi. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. [77][78][i], The religious significance of Diwali varies regionally within India. It's observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. [110] Some regions of India start Diwali festivities the day before Dhanteras with Govatsa Dwadashi. It's observed on the 15th day of the month. The Hindu calendar is based on both the sun and moon (while the Gregorian calendar is only based on the sun). Part of the inscription, as translated by Kielhorn, reads: "the auspicious festival of lights which disperses the most profound darkness, which in former days was celebrated by the kings Ila, Kartavirya and Sagara, () as Sakra (Indra) is of the gods, the universal monarch who knows the duties by the three Vedas, afterwards celebrated here at Ranga for Vishnu, resplendent with Lakshmi resting on his radiant lap. It is mentioned in Sanskrit texts dating from the fourth century CE but was likely practiced for many hundreds of years before that. "[74][h], Jain inscriptions, such as the 10th-century Saundatti inscription about a donation of oil to Jinendra worship for the Diwali rituals, speak of Dipotsava. Grewal, a scholar of Sikhism and Sikh history, Diwali in the Sikh tradition is older than the sixth Guru Hargobind legend. Although not a primary festival of Buddhism, Diwali is celebrated by some Buddhists as a commemoration of the day when Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism in the 3rd century bce. iStock.com/triloks What Do People Do? In India, the holiday always falls on the 15th of Kartik, the first month of the Hindu lunar calendar . 2. It's a one-day celebration, known as Deepavali, that usually falls a day before the main Diwali date but sometimes occurs on the same day (when the lunar days overlap). [116], On Yama Deepam (also known as Yama Dipadana or Jam ke Diya), Hindus light a diya, ideally made of wheat flour and filled with sesame oil, that faces south in the back of their homes. The exact date changes every year because the Hindu calendar is lunar. The main festival is on Sunday, but festivities begin on Friday, a day called Dhanteras. The fourth day has different names in different regions and typically celebrates the marital bond. The third day is the day of Lakshmi Puja and the darkest night of the traditional month. Indian Independence Day Independence Day is celebrated every year during August 15. [86], Mythical tales shared on Diwali vary widely depending on region and even within Hindu tradition,[88] yet all share a common focus on righteousness, self-inquiry and the importance of knowledge,[89][90] which, according to Lindsey Harlan, an Indologist and scholar of Religious Studies, is the path to overcoming the "darkness of ignorance". After firing, the fine dust particles get settled on the surrounding surfaces which are packed with chemicals like copper, zinc, sodium, lead, magnesium, cadmium and pollutants like oxides of sulfur and nitrogen. Diwali is also celebrated to mark the return of Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon-king Ravana and completing his fourteen years of exile. [101] According to J.S. Learn Religions. Scholars contest the 527 BCE date and consider Mahavira's biographical details as uncertain. Here is everything you need to know about the festival and how it is celebrated. Diwali is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik. Since the 18th century, Diwali has been celebrated in Sikhism as the time of Guru Hargobinds return to Amritsar from captivity in Gwalioran echo of Ramas return to Ayodhya. [168], Diwali has increasingly attracted cultural exchanges, becoming occasions for politicians and religious leaders worldwide to meet Hindu or Indian origin citizens, diplomatic staff or neighbours. It is observed by the Vajrayana Buddhist minority among the Newarpeople of Nepal. [23][140] According to one tradition, the day is associated with the story of Bali's defeat at the hands of Vishnu. Also known as the 'festival of lights', the celebration usually lasts for five days. He has written several books about Hinduism for children and young adults. Communities prepare over one hundred dishes from a variety of ingredients, which is then dedicated to Krishna before being shared among the community. Diwali (English: /dwli/), Dewali, Divali,[3] or Deepavali (IAST: dpval), also known as the Festival of Lights,[4][5] related to Jain Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, Tihar, Swanti, Sohrai, and Bandna, is a religious[6] celebration in Indian religions. The day also marks a major shopping day to purchase new utensils, home equipment, jewelry, firecrackers, and other items. Diwali is the Festival of Lights, observed by Indian communities around the world. Corrections? Observances of Diwali differ depending on region and tradition. In other regions, parents invite a newly married daughter, or son, together with their spouses to a festive meal and give them gifts. [128][95], The day after Diwali is the first day of the bright fortnight of Kartik. The diyas (lamps) are mentioned in Skanda Kishore Purana as symbolising parts of the sun, describing it as the cosmic giver of light and energy to all life and which seasonally transitions in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Diwali is celebrated over five days in most of North India. [117] Some Hindus observe Yama Deepa on the second night before the main day of Diwali.[118][119]. Each day has a different name and rituals. Diwali is observed on the day of Amavasya or the new moon and marks the start of the Hindu New Year. Among Hindus the most widespread customis the lighting of diyas (small earthenware lamps filled with oil) on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. [95] According to the Jain tradition, this practice of lighting lamps first began on the day of Mahavira's nirvana in 527 BCE,[j] when 18 kings who had gathered for Mahavira's final teachings issued a proclamation that lamps be lit in remembrance of the "great light, Mahavira". What are the 5 Diwali Days in 2022? [114], On the second day of Diwali, Hanuman Puja is performed in some parts of India especially in Gujarat. Diwali's date is determined by the India calendar and changes every year, ranging from October to November. [83][84][85] Hindus from the Braj region in northern India, parts of Assam, as well as southern Tamil and Telugu communities view Diwali as the day the god Krishna overcame and destroyed the evil demon king Narakasura, in yet another symbolic victory of knowledge and good over ignorance and evil. These purchases are often gold and silver items or new utensils. They install diyas, small earthen oil-filled lamps that they light up for the next five days, near Lakshmi and Ganesha iconography. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, falls on 4 November this year. While Diwali spans five days, the holiday reaches its peak on day three this year, falling on Oct. 24, 2022. Dates for 2020 to 2025. [185] When these compounds pollute the air, they increase the risk of cancer in people. As the term "Festival of Lights" suggests, the celebration involves millions of lights illuminated from rooftops, doorways, and windows in thousands of temples and buildings all over the countries where the festival is observed. Because Diwali is such a meaningful celebration, festivities are often planned years in advance. The Vishwakarma puja day is alternatively observed in other Hindu communities in accordance with the Hindu solar calendar, and this falls in September. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and an even deeper meaning is to drive away our inner darkness with light. (2021, October 12). It's been 11 years since we celebrated Diwali at our family homes back in India, but that will never stop us from feeling at home, celebrating traditions, and embracing it. [56][57] Rajasekhara referred to Deepavali as Dipamalika in his 9th-century Kavyamimamsa, wherein he mentions the tradition of homes being whitewashed and oil lamps decorated homes, streets and markets in the night. [79] The festival formally begins two days before the night of Diwali, and ends two days thereafter. Learn Religions. [183] These invisible yet harmful particles affect the environment and in turn, put people's health at stake. ", Christopher H. Johnson, Simon Teuscher & David Warren Sabean 2011, India Journal: Tis the Season to be Shopping, Pakistan parliament adopts resolution for Holi, Diwali, Easter holidays, "The Svanti Festival: Victory over Death and the Renewal of the Ritual Cycle in Nepal", "Diwali Festival 2020 India:Date,Story,Celebration,Diwali Special Gift", "Krishna Killed Narakasur - The Narakasur Legend of Diwali - Diwali Legend", Diwali Celebrating the triumph of goodness, "2020 Yama Deepam date and timings for New Delhi, NCT, India", "The 'Yam-deep' or 'Jam ke Deeya' SWAHA International", "Significance of Yama Deepam on Diwali Eve", "Choti Diwali 2020 date: Kali Chaudas significance, when and how to celebrate", "2020 Hanuman Puja date and time during Diwali for New Delhi, NCT, India", If You Missed Diwali in India, Dallas Is the Place to Be, Manchester Dashehra and Diwali Mela plans announced, Festive season to boost India gold buying, India's banks face pre-Diwali cash crunch, Diwali lights up consumer spending, festive spirit beats inflation, Fear Of Toxic Smog Leads India To Limit Diwali Fireworks, Firework Facts: Americans Incinerate $1 Billion in July Fourth Fireworks Every Year, Oneline sales may surpass Rs 30000 crores in festive months, Average family to spend Rs. Every occasion represents two main things: 1. [47][b], The five-day celebration is observed every year in early autumn after the conclusion of the summer harvest. It coincides with the new moon (amvasy) and is deemed the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Diwali is generally a time for visiting, exchanging gifts, wearing new clothes, feasting, feeding the poor, and setting off fireworks (though such displays have been restricted to limit noise and other environmental pollution). Diwali, for Vasavada, would always culminate in a large family feast with enough food to feed a small town. [116] On this day, many Hindus clean their homes and business premises. [116][114] Women and children decorate doorways within homes and offices with rangolis, colourful designs made from rice flour, flower petals, colored rice or colored sand,[23] while the boys and men decorate the roofs and walls of family homes, markets, and temples and string up lights and lanterns. This day marks the beginning of deepawali celebrations. In 2019, Diwali started on October 25 as reported by The Fact. Diwali is usually celebrated twenty days after the Vijayadashami festival, with Dhanteras, or the regional equivalent, marking the first day of the festival when celebrants prepare by cleaning their homes and making decorations on the floor, such as rangolis.
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