There is no more important and bigger celebration in India than Diwali. This festivity gathers family and friends to celebrate the start of a new year, the abundance and wealth as well the triumph of light ever darkness.
Want to know more about this holiday, what is it, how and when is celebrated? Keep on reading because we’ll explain everything you need to know about Diwali.
What is Diwali?
Also spelled Divali or Deepavali, this five-day holiday honors and celebrates Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of abundance.
It gets its name from the Sanskrit word deepavalli, which means “row of lighted lamps”.
Diwali also marks the start of a new financial year. This is because originally, the festivity was celebrated during the last harvest before winter, therefore, people thanked Lakshmi for a year of abundance and wealth.
When is Diwali?
Diwali is celebrated every autumn, especially during October and November, around the new moon between the Hindu months of Asvina and Kartika.
Is important to remember that the Hindu religious calendar is a lunar one.
During 2021, Diwali will take place from 2nd to 6th November, being the 4th the main day.
How is Diwali celebrated?
Traditionally, Indian households celebrate Diwali by cleaning every space and then decorating the outside with little clay lamps called diya or deepa that symbolizes the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness.
During this period, Indians also celebrate with family gatherings in which hey serve typical dishes and there are as well, festive fireworks and presents between family members.
On the third day of Diwali, the main day of the festivity, families gather for the Lakshmi puja, or a prayer dedicated to three deities: Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, Ganesh, god of wisdom and Kuber, lord of wealth.
[Ganesh and Lakshmi statues. Image: Pixabay]
People also tend to celebrate this day with music, fireworks and big feast.
One tradition during the puja is to purchase something made from gold or silver, since it’s believed that this will bring lots of prosperity during the year.
The best part of Diwali is that it is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of their faith, be it Hindus, Buddhists, Jains or Sikhs.