Happy Diwali – Date, History, Importance & Celebration
Happy Diwali, Deepavali or Deepawali, is considered to be the biggest and brightest festival of all the Hindu festivals. People also refer it to as the festival of lights. The word “Deepawali” here means Deep – light and avali – a row, together it means a row of lights. Diwali is celebrated with a four-day celebration, which lights up the whole country with the festival’s joy and lights. The festival of Diwali falls in the month of October to November. It occurs on the 15th day of the Kartik month. All four days are celebrated with huge enthusiasm. But the sense of goodness in people and enjoyment remains constant all across the country.
Happy Diwali – Date, History, Importance & Celebration
There are many traditions and stories related to the day of Diwali. Many relate it to the festival of harvest. Many celebrate Diwali to celebrate the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Many people in Bengal celebrate Diwali to worship Goddess Kali.
However, the main reason behind celebrating Diwali is to celebrate the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after the long 14-year exile with his wife Sita after defeating the demon-king Ravana who kidnapped Sita in rage of revenge. To celebrate the joyous day of return Lord Rama to his village Ayodhya, people of Ayodhya lights lamps, diyas and firecrackers.
The four days of Diwali has its own significance. Naraka Chaturdashi symbolizes the day of mukti of Narakasura by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the second day is celebrated by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. Third day of Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja as known as Kartika Shudda Padyami. Fourth day signifies the festival of brothers and sisters known as Yama Dvitiya or Bhai Dooj.
Some people refer Diwali as a five day festival. They include Dhanteras as a fifth festival. Dhanteras refers to the festival of wealth. Dhanteras signifies the tradition of gambling on Diwali. It is called the festival of gambling as it is believed that on this day Goddess Parvati placed dice and board with her husband Lord Shiva.
Diwali Date:
Diwali Date 2019: October 27
Diwali Date 2020: November 14
Diwali Date 2021: November 4
On the day of Diwali, homes are decorated and lighted up with diyas, lights and candles. The day of Diwali is celebrated to honor and remember the day of return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. It is the festival of lights, health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity.
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Some people burst firecrackers as they believe it to be the sign of enjoyment and joys. They believe that this will make Gods aware of their happiness. Diwali is a festival of give and forgive, rise and shine, unite and unify, prosper and progress, moving from darkness into light.