Diwali – The festival of Lights. When and How is Diwali celebrated in India

Diwali, the festival of lights, sees millions attend firework displays, prayers and celebratory events across the world every autumn. Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains for a variety of reasons, the main theme is the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Here we take a look at one of the most significant festivals in Indian culture.

When is Diwali celebrated?

In fact, before we get into the details, readers would know, that Diwali is celebrated in the Hindu Month of Kartik. Usually October-November as per English Calendar. Thus, it is observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Accordingly, in 2018, Diwali would be celebrated on 7th November 2018. Now per Hindu, Mythology there are 12 reasons for celebrating Diwali. But the most popular one is as follows.

Diwali is celebrated as the victory of Lord Ram over Demon king Ravana. After slaying Ravana, the King of Lanka, and completing his 14 years of exile, Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya along with his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshmana. The day when Lord Ram entered Ayodhya was the new moon day in the month of Kartik. The People of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Ram by bursting firecrackers and lighting diyas and lamps. From then onwards, fireworks and diyas have come to symbolize the festival.

How is Diwali celebrated?

Diwali is part of a five-day festival that is celebrated with music, lights, fireworks and sharing traditional sweets. Many people prepare for the festival by cleaning and decorating their homes, and on the night of celebrations wear new clothes and take part in family puja, or prayers to Lakshmi.

Apart from this, the home is decorated with Rangoli artwork patterns and designs made from coloured powders and grounded rice powders. Varity of flowers are also used to decorated the Rangoli. Once they are prepared, these Rangoli are displayed at the front of one’s house as a commonly depicting a lotus leaf in design.

Usually native do share sweets with their neighbours in general and also get new cloths for them-selves and their family. This, a happy environment is maintained around this time and people are happy during this entire movement.

Though out the festival traditional sweets and savoury items are eaten as well as full meals, particularly on the third and fifth day. Many groups and community langar is offered to one and all.

In brief the following are the five days during Diwali that mark significance:

Usually Diwali is for Five main days. The first day is called as Dhanteras. "Dhan" means wealth and "teras" refers to the 13th day of a lunar fortnight (Trayodashi) on the Hindu calendar. This day is dedicated to celebrating prosperity. Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed to one’s home and gold is purchased.

The 2nd days or the day of Chaturdashi 14th day of a lunar fortnight is celebrated as Chota Diwali. On this day it is believed that Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna are believed to have destroyed the demon Narakasura on this day.

The 3rd day or the day of Amavasya This darkest day of the month is the most significant day of the Diwali festival across India. Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped on this day too, with a special puja performed usually during the evening.

Then on the 4th day is celebrated as Govardhan Puja. This is the Prathama tithi of the Fortnight. This is performed as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Lord Indra, the god of thunder and rain.

Finally, the last day or the 5th days which is of Dwitiya tithi. This is the day when Bhai Duj is celebrated across India. It's dedicated to celebrating sisters, in a similar way that Raksha Bandhan is dedicated to brothers.

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