Diwali, known as the “Festival of Lights,” is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. This joyous occasion, observed by millions, marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Diwali is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and victory over the demon king Ravana.
Significance
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, derives from the Sanskrit words “Deepa” (lamp) and “Avali” (row), translating to a “row of lights.” The festival emphasizes the spiritual significance of light, representing hope, prosperity, and the eradication of darkness. Diwali holds different meanings across India’s regions, but the core values remain rooted in the themes of unity, prosperity, and the renewal of life.
Symbolism and cultural significance
Each of Diwali’s five days has a unique significance, symbolizing various aspects of life, mythology, and spirituality. From celebrating the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, to commemorating the bond between siblings, each day adds a layer of meaning to the festival. People clean, renovate, and decorate their homes, believing it will bring prosperity and positivity for the upcoming year.
For Hindus, Diwali represents Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, with people lighting rows of oil lamps to welcome him. Jains celebrate the festival as the day Lord Mahavira attained enlightenment, and Sikhs observe it as Bandi Chhor Divas, marking the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment. Buddhists in India celebrate Diwali as a symbol of the transformation of darkness into light, emphasizing harmony and peace.
Preparations
Preparation for Diwali starts weeks in advance, as families undertake a thorough cleaning of their homes and workspaces, discarding the old to make way for the new. The festival is seen as a fresh start, with many people using this time to buy new clothes, redecorate, and make purchases. Markets across India bustle with activity, with vendors selling colourful clay lamps, festive decor, sweets, and gifts, as well as new clothes and jewellery.
Diwali shopping is an experience in itself, where people purchase gifts for family and friends. Buying gold or silver items is considered auspicious, symbolizing wealth and prosperity for the coming year.
Celebrations and customs
1. Dhanteras (Day 1): Welcoming prosperity
Diwali begins with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to wealth and health. “Dhan” means wealth, and “Teras” refers to the 13th day in the lunar calendar. People clean their homes and offices, buy new utensils, gold, or silver items, and make offerings to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Lighting lamps and praying for good fortune are central to this day’s observances.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi (Day 2): The victory of good over evil
Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the defeat of darkness by light. Families wake up early, take a ritual bath with fragrant oils, and wear new clothes. Many people light small oil lamps around their homes and prepare for the main Diwali day.
3. Lakshmi Puja (Day 3): The main Diwali festival
Lakshmi Puja is the most significant day of Diwali, observed with great enthusiasm. In the evening, families perform a puja (worship) to honour Lakshmi, inviting her blessings for prosperity and well-being. Homes are decorated with intricate rangoli designs, oil lamps, and vibrant flowers, creating a festive atmosphere. Sweets are shared among neighbours, and gifts are exchanged. Fireworks illuminate the night sky, symbolizing joy and dispelling negativity.
4. Govardhan Puja (Day 4): A day of gratitude
On the fourth day, Govardhan Puja, also called Annakut, is celebrated to honour Lord Krishna’s lifting of Mount Govardhan. People prepare a variety of vegetarian dishes as offerings and thank nature for providing sustenance. This day also serves as a reminder of environmental harmony and gratitude.
5. Bhai Dooj (Day 5): Celebrating sibling bonds
The final day of Diwali, Bhai Dooj, is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters perform aarti for their brothers, praying for their long lives and protection. Brothers, in turn, give gifts and promise to protect their sisters. This day celebrates family ties and the strength of sibling relationships.
Regional variations
India’s vast cultural diversity is reflected in the unique regional variations of Diwali. Here’s a glimpse into how the festival is celebrated across the country:
Northern India: Diwali is often grand and includes a spectacular display of fireworks and decorated homes with oil lamps and rangoli patterns. The streets are lit, and traditional sweets and savory dishes are shared with family and friends.
Western India: In Maharashtra and Gujarat, people draw intricate rangoli designs in their homes and workplaces. Celebrations include performing rituals like Lakshmi Puja and distributing sweets like “peda” and “ladoos.”
Southern India: Diwali in the south is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, marking Lord Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narakasura. Celebrants start the day with early morning oil baths, followed by the lighting of lamps and bursting of crackers.
Eastern India: In West Bengal, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, where people worship Goddess Kali, the fierce form of Goddess Durga, to protect them from evil forces. Homes and temples are decorated with lights, and offerings are made.
Outside India: Diwali is also celebrated by Indian communities worldwide. From the United States to Singapore, people of Indian origin gather for prayers, cultural events, and community feasts, bringing Diwali’s essence of unity and festivity to global audiences.
Traditional food and sweets
Food plays an essential role during Diwali. Sweet delicacies such as laddu, barfi, jalebi, and gulab jamun are shared among family and friends. Savory snacks like namak pare and chakli are also popular. Regional specialties, such as shakarpara in Maharashtra and soan papdi in North India, showcase India’s culinary diversity. In many homes, families come together to prepare these sweets and snacks, adding to the festive spirit.
Eco-friendly celebrations
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on eco-friendly Diwali celebrations. Firecrackers, while traditional, contribute to pollution, prompting many people to opt for quieter, environmentally conscious ways of celebrating. Instead of firecrackers, some communities use decorative lights, organic rangoli colours, and biodegradable materials to honour the festival without harming the environment. Diwali 2024 could see a continued shift toward green celebrations, focusing on sustainability and health.Spiritual essence
Beyond the lights and festivities, Diwali carries a deep spiritual message, symbolizing inner enlightenment. Many observe the festival as a time for introspection, compassion, and renewal of faith. Diwali offers an opportunity to rekindle hope, leave behind past negativity, and embrace the coming year with optimism.
Diwali also brings communities together, bridging social, economic, and cultural differences. The festival encourages people to share with those less fortunate, with many families donating food, clothes, and other essentials to the underprivileged during this time.Diwali 2024 was a vibrant celebration, bringing together families, friends, and communities in a unified expression of joy, gratitude, and togetherness. The lights of Diwali served as a reminder of the power of hope and the resilience of the human spirit. As people illuminate their homes and lives with Diwali’s glow, they also brightened the world, spreading love, happiness, and the promise of a prosperous year.
