TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF DAWALI
What is Diwali?
Diwali, or Dipawali, is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians.
Over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival that’s also enjoyed by non-Hindu communities. For instance, in Jainism, Diwali marks the nirvana, or spiritual awakening, of Lord Mahavira on October 15, 527 B.C.; in Sikhism, it honors the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru, was freed from imprisonment. Buddhists in India celebrate Diwali as well.
When is Diwali 2021?
Diwali is a five-day religious festival. The main festival day falls on a different date each autumn, timed the Hindu lunar calendar, but it usually falls in October or November. In 2021, Diwali falls on Thursday, Nov. 4.
How is Diwali celebrated?
The Diwali festival takes place over five days.
The First Day,
Dhanteras, is for celebrating Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, youth and beauty. On this first day, people buy new items such as jewelry, clothing and utensils and light lamps to welcome Lakshm.
The Second Day,
known as Chhoti Diwali, Naraka Chaturdasior Kali Chaudas, focuses on a story from Hindu mythology about the god Krishna and his defeat of the demon god Narakasura. On this day, some people put up twinkling lights to celebrate his victory.
The Third Day,
known as Diwali, Deepawali, or Lakshmi Puja, is the most important day of the Diwali festival. On this day, people visit family and friends to feast and exchange sweets and gifts. People also continue to light lamps and candles to welcome light and prosperity from the goddess Lakshmi.
The Fourth Day,
known as Govardhan Puja or Padva, some people in northern India build small piles of cow dung as a symbol of how Krishna defeated the king of the Hindu gods, Indra, by lifting up a mountain.
The First Day,
known as Bhai Dooj or Yama Dwitiva, is a day for brothers and sisters to honor one another. Siblings perform a ceremony called tilak and pray for one another.
On this final day of Diwali, many people also set off fireworks. In 2017, India’s supreme court banned the sale of fireworks for Diwali in the capital, Delhi, citing concerns about pollution and air quality.
Who celebrates Diwali?
Diwali is celebrated by people across different faiths in India, including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Muslims and Buddhists. Many people with South Asian heritage in other parts of the world also celebrate Diwali.
While Diwali is a religious festival, it has also become a secular national holiday celebrated widely across India, much like Christmas has become a holiday celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike in the U.S.
What do people eat during Diwali?
Diwali is a time for feasting with family and enjoying plenty of sweet treats. One popular delicacy is kaju katli, a fudge-like sweet made with ground cashews and sugar, and sometimes flavored with a touch of rose water. Another popular treat in northern India is besan burfi, another kind of fudge-like bar made from flour, sugar and cardamom and sprinkled with almonds or pistachios. Jalebi, a kind of sweet fried bread, is also a popular choice. Basically, it isn’t Diwali without dessert!
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