When:
21st Oct
Where:
All Over India
Diwali, Deepavali or Dipavali is the Hindu festival of lights, which is celebrated every autumn in the northern hemisphere. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance". During the celebration, temples, homes, shops and office buildings are brightly illuminated. The preparations, and rituals, for the festival typically last five days, with the climax occurring on the third day coinciding with the darkest night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika.
In the lead up to Diwali, celebrants will prepare by cleaning, renovating and decorating their homes and offices. During the climax, revellers adorn themselves in their finest clothes, illuminate the interior and exterior of their homes with diyas (lamps and candles), offer puja (prayers) to Lakshmi – the goddess of prosperity and wealth, light fireworks, partake in family feasts, where mithai (sweets) and gifts are shared. Diwali is also a major cultural event for the Hindu and Jain diaspora from the Indian subcontinent.
The names of the festive days of Diwali, as well as the rituals, vary by region. Diwali is usually celebrated eighteen days after the Dussehra festival with Dhanteras, or the regional equivalent, marking the first day of the festival when celebrants prepare by cleaning their homes and laying floor decorations, such as rangoli. The second day is Choti Diwali, or equivalent in north India, while for Hindus in the south of India it is Diwali proper. Western, central, eastern and northern Indian communities observe Diwali on the third day and the darkest night of the traditional month. In some parts of India, the day after Diwali is marked with the Goverdhan Puja and Diwali Padva, which is dedicated to the relationship between wife and husband. Some Hindu communities mark the last day as Bhai Dooj, which is dedicated to the bond between sister and brother, while other Hindu and Sikh craftsmen communities mark this day as Vishwakarma Puja and observe it by performing maintenance in their work spaces and offering prayers.
You can watch Ayodhya Diwali Festival from here: https://youtu.be/kF8e6aX-Weo
About Diwali
Diwali, Deepavali or Dipavali is the Hindu festival of lights, which is celebrated every autumn in the northern hemisphere. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance". During the celebration, temples, homes, shops and office buildings are brightly illuminated. The preparations, and rituals, for the festival typically last five days, with the climax occurring on the third day coinciding with the darkest night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika.
In the lead up to Diwali, celebrants will prepare by cleaning, renovating and decorating their homes and offices. During the climax, revellers adorn themselves in their finest clothes, illuminate the interior and exterior of their homes with diyas (lamps and candles), offer puja (prayers) to Lakshmi – the goddess of prosperity and wealth, light fireworks, partake in family feasts, where mithai (sweets) and gifts are shared. Diwali is also a major cultural event for the Hindu and Jain diaspora from the Indian subcontinent.
The names of the festive days of Diwali, as well as the rituals, vary by region. Diwali is usually celebrated eighteen days after the Dussehra festival with Dhanteras, or the regional equivalent, marking the first day of the festival when celebrants prepare by cleaning their homes and laying floor decorations, such as rangoli. The second day is Choti Diwali, or equivalent in north India, while for Hindus in the south of India it is Diwali proper. Western, central, eastern and northern Indian communities observe Diwali on the third day and the darkest night of the traditional month. In some parts of India, the day after Diwali is marked with the Goverdhan Puja and Diwali Padva, which is dedicated to the relationship between wife and husband. Some Hindu communities mark the last day as Bhai Dooj, which is dedicated to the bond between sister and brother, while other Hindu and Sikh craftsmen communities mark this day as Vishwakarma Puja and observe it by performing maintenance in their work spaces and offering prayers.
You can watch Ayodhya Diwali Festival from here: https://youtu.be/kF8e6aX-Weo
Diwali is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in India, bringing together communities in celebration of their rich cultural heritage and religious traditions.
History & Significance
The origins of Diwali can be traced back to ancient times, deeply rooted in Indian mythology, cultural practices, and religious beliefs. This festival holds immense spiritual and social significance, symbolizing the values, traditions, and unity of the communities that celebrate it.
Over the centuries, Diwali has evolved while maintaining its core essence, continuing to inspire devotion and bring joy to millions of people across India and beyond.
How It Is Celebrated
The celebrations of Diwali are marked by various traditional rituals, prayers, decorations, and community gatherings. Families prepare special dishes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, and participate in religious ceremonies.
Community events, cultural programs, music, dance, and processions are common features of the celebrations. The festival atmosphere is filled with joy, devotion, and a sense of togetherness that brings people closer to their roots and to each other.
Where It Happens
Diwali is celebrated across India, with each region adding its unique local traditions and customs to the celebrations.
Travel Tips
If you're planning to visit during Diwali, here are some helpful tips:
- Plan Ahead: Book accommodations well in advance as hotels fill up quickly during festival season.
- Respect Traditions: Dress modestly and follow local customs when visiting religious sites or participating in celebrations.
- Arrive Early: Popular celebration venues can get crowded, so arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
- Stay Connected: Keep your mobile phone charged and have backup transportation options as services may be limited during peak celebration times.
- Try Local Food: Festival celebrations often feature special traditional dishes - don't miss the opportunity to try authentic local cuisine.
