Deepawali or Diwali – The festival of lights
Deepawali, also known as Diwali, is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India and some other parts of the world. It is a festival of lights, joy, and happiness, and is usually celebrated in late October or early November, depending on the Hindu calendar. The word "Deepawali" is derived from the Sanskrit words "deepa" which means "light" and "avali" which means "row". Therefore, Deepawali is known as the "Festival of Lights" because it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. During the festival, people decorate their homes with colorful lights, diyas (oil lamps), rangolis (decorative designs made with colored powder), and flowers. People wear new clothes and exchange gifts and sweets with family and friends. The festival is celebrated for five days, with each day having its own significance. The first day, Dhanteras, is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The second day, Naraka Chaturdashi, is the day when Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura. The third day, Diwali, is the main day of the festival and is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. The fourth day, Govardhan Puja, is the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Mountain. The fifth and final day, Bhai Dooj, is dedicated to the bond of love and affection between brothers and sisters. In addition to the religious and cultural significance, Deepawali also has a historical significance as it marks the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. It is believed that the people of Ayodhya lit diyas and decorated the city to welcome Lord Rama, and this tradition is still followed today. Overall, Deepawali is a joyous and colorful festival that brings people together, and celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. In northern India, we celebrate the story of King Rama's return to Ayodhya with a row of clay lamps on fire after he overthrew Ravana.
उत्तर भारत में, हम राजा राम की अयोध्या वापसी की खुशी और रावण को मारने के बाद मिट्टी के दीयों की एक पंक्ति के साथ मनाते हैं।
In South India, it is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna overthrew the demon Narakasura.
दक्षिण भारत में, यह उस दिन के रूप में मनाया जाता है जब भगवान कृष्ण ने राक्षस नरकासुर का वध किया था।
In western India, it is a festival that commemorates the day Lord Vishnu (one of the main gods of the Hindu trinity) dispatched the demon king Bali to rule over the underworld.
पश्चिमी भारत में, यह एक त्यौहार है जो उस दिन की याद दिलाता है जब भगवान विष्णु (हिंदू त्रिमूर्ति के मुख्य देवताओं में से एक) ने राक्षस राजा बाली को दुनिया पर शासन करने के लिए भेजा था।
For how many days people celebrate Diwali?
Usually Diwali is celebrated for five days.
Day 1: Dhanteras People clean their homes and buy gold and kitchen utensils to bring good luck.
Day 2: Rangoli Day People decorate their homes with clay lamps and make patterns called rangoli on the floor with colored powder and sand. Day 3: Diwali Day On the main day of the festival, families gather to perform Lakshmi Puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi, followed by delicious feasts and fireworks celebrations. Day 4: This is the first day of the new year and friends and relatives stop by with gifts and seasonal celebrations. Day 5: Brothers visit married sisters and welcome them with love and sumptuous meals.
