What is Diwali and Why It Is Celebrated

Every year, we get questions like, “What is Diwali?.” One of the most important Hindu festivals and one of the most widely observed holidays in India is Diwali, commonly known as the "Festival of Lights." It is their way to celebrate "the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil," based on National Geographic. No wonder, `thousands of people celebrate this event. 

This festival also honors and glorifies the goddess of wealth, abundance, and well-being—Sri Maha Lakshmi. Hindus do ceremonies to invite Lakshmi to their homes, so they light lamps and candles together. The common ritual during this event is called pujas or poojas. 

Top 10 Facts About Diwali

Diwali celebration 2022 takes place on October 24, and the news circulating worldwide adds questions to people’s minds about why Diwali is celebrated in India every year. Keep reading and find out the answer: 

10. Amazingly, Diwali is one of the most significant events in history, spread not only throughout India but to other countries as well. Tens of thousands of people celebrate this “Festival of Lights” in Leicester, United Kingdom—the only record of this number of participants outside the country. 

9. Mandir is the name of a Hindus place of worship outside India, as thousands more people celebrate Diwali in different countries. This is where they bring offerings to deities, enjoy watching fireworks, and eat their prepared foods together. 

8. One of the Hindus’ popular traditions during Diwali is Rangoli, wherein they gather together to draw Rangoli on the floor to welcome their gods to their homes and bring good luck.

7. Diwali is one of the exciting holidays for Hindus. It is the time for decorating their homes, preparing delicious treats, having feasts, and watching fireworks displays with family and friends. Hindus are excited about Diwali, just as Christians are for Christmas! 

6. Diwali means different celebrations in various parts of India. For example, Hindus in Northern India celebrate Rama’s triumph over Ravana and his safe return to Ayodhya. On the other hand, Southern India marks Diwali as the day Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura, the demon. Moreover, Western India also celebrates this festival to honor Lord Vishnu when he sent the demon King Bali to the nether world to rule. 

5. As part of the ceremony, Hindus light lamps to give honor and glory to Lakshmi and invite her to their homes to bring them prosperity throughout the coming year. 

4. The lights and lamps used by Hindus to decorate their homes are called diyas. In Sanskrit, Diwali (also known as Deepavali ) means “row of lights.”

3. Hindus celebrate Diwali annually for five days and mark it as the start of the Hindu New Year. Diwali’s time and date usually fall between October and November, depending on the moon's position.   

2. One common misconception of Diwali is that Sikhs also celebrate it. The truth is Sikhs are celebrating Bandi Chhor Divas to honor the release of Guru Hargobind, the Sixth Sikh Guru. Coincidentally, Hargobind’s freedom and return to Amritsar happened when Diwali was in full swing during that time. 

1. Diwali is one of India's most significant religious festivals celebrated by Hindus. 

Why is Diwali Celebrated by Hindus?

Hindus celebrate Diwali for five years every year. Each part of the celebration shows the reasons behind the activities. 

• First Day (Dhanteras)
  
  At this point, Hindus perform puja or pooja as part of their ritual. They put tea lights around the balconies and entryways and buy kitchen utensils as part of their belief that making these bring fortune. 
  
  
• Second Day (Narak Chaturdashi)
  
  On the second day, Hindus in different regions celebrate Diwali their ways, but the usual activity during this part is exchanging gifts and sweets with friends and families. One of the rituals they do is drawing rangoli on the floor made from flowers, rice, and colored powder. 
  
  
• Third Day (Lakshmi Puja)
  
  This day is the main event to give honor to Lakshmi Puja. Hindus families will dress up and pray together to worship the goddess Lakshmi. Then, delicious feasts and colorful fireworks come after to continue the celebration. 
  
  
• Fourth Day (Govardhan Puja)
  
  The main event on the fourth day glorifies Lord Krishna and celebrates the Gujarati New Year. The abundance of food offerings for Pujar is being observed during this part of Diwali. 
  
  
• Fifth Day (Bhaiya Dooj)
  
  During Diwali’s last day, brothers honor their sisters through special rituals and sweets. This is to celebrate the sibling bond as part of the yearly celebration. 

Final Thoughts 

Hindus and thousands of people around the world are celebrating Diwali. Although there are specific rituals and ceremonies during this festival, other regions could have their own interpretations and preparations. Nonetheless, it doesn’t erase the fact that Diwali’s main theme is to celebrate victory over evil. Happy Diwali to everyone!