Diwali
History and traditions of Diwali
Diwali is a five-day festival of significance in Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism, as well as a national holiday in India. The Diwali festival means as much to practicing Hindus as does Christmas to Christian people.
The History of Diwali
According to Hindus, Diwali celebrates the homecoming of the legendary king Rama after his 14-year exile, as well as his victory over the mythical demon Ravana. King Rama was welcomed home to the capital of his kingdom by many rows of lamps lit by his joyous people; the word "Diwali" literally translates to "rows of lighted lamps." To this day, Diwali celebrants light oil-filled lamps to commemorate the victory of good over evil.
Diwali is commonly known as the Festival of Lights, but it also takes on a spiritual significance as the "awareness of the inner light." The holiday celebrates the inner light, or awareness that something infinite exists beyond the purely physical body and mind.
Diwali festivities take place over five days; some regional variations of the holiday include a different focus on each day. In certain areas of India, the first day is called Dhanteras and is set aside to worship Laksmi, the goddess of wealth. On the second day, the goddess Kali is worshiped, and the focus is on abolishing evil and laziness. Lamps are lit on the third day to symbolize knowledge and reflection. The fourth day coincides with the first day of the lunar New Year when books are worshiped and participants endeavor to remove hate, anger and jealousy from their lives. The fifth and final day is called Balipratipada in remembrance of Bali, an ancient Indian king.
Ideas for Celebrating Diwali
This holiday is an ideal time for exchanging Diwali greetings via Diwali cards; they are available at many stores where greeting cards are sold, as well as online. The many websites which offer e-cards are an excellent resource for electronic Diwali greeting cards, many of which are free. These e-cards are especially helpful for people living far apart who want to wish each other a happy Diwali holiday.
As Diwali is the festival of lights, fireworks and Diwali crackers are popular during the Diwali celebration. Families and friends also enjoy gathering for festive meals and the exchange of gifts and Diwali wishes.
Beautiful Diwali rangoli art designs are an important part of the holiday. This age-old tradition is the art of drawing images and designs on the home's walls and floor using different colors of powder. The intricate and colorful designs are intended to welcome Laksmi, the goddess of wealth, into the home.
