Diwali
Diwali is the most important festival of lights. Diwali is a celebration each year in India and around the world by Hindus, that marks the victory of good over evil, light over dark and knowledge over ignorance
Diwali (Dīvali, Dīpāwali, Deepavali, Dipabali) could be a pageant of lights and could be a gazetted vacation in Asian nation. Followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and faith observe numerous customs associated with Diwali. Diwali/Deepavali could be a public vacation. it’s each day off for the overall population, and faculties and most businesses square measure closed.
Diwali 2020
Diwali is one amongst the foremost vital festivals in Asian nation. it’s celebrated across the length and breadth of the state with a lot of fanfare and enthusiasm. referred to as the “Festival of Lights”, Diwali could be a 5-day celebration, whereby friends and families get along, lightweight ‘Diyas’ or material lamps in their homes, feast on sweet delicacies, exchange gifts, play games and burn batty. The pageant is widely known on ‘Amavasya’ or no moon night and heralds the dawn of a brand new Year, per the lunisolar calendar. it’s a harbinger of latest beginnings because it is believed that god Lakshmi pays a visit to the homes of devotees within the middle of the dark night, and blesses them with wealth and happiness. it’s referred to as the pageant {of lightweight|of sunshine}s as a result of it symbolizes the conclusion of light over darkness, sensible over evil and hope over despair.
Diwali 2020 Dates
This year Diwali are celebrated on November 14, 2020 (Sunday)
History of Diwali
The history of Diwali may be derived back to ancient Asian nation. There square measure numerous legends regarding the origin of this pageant. Some believe it to be the celebration of the wedding of Lakshmi, the god of wealth, with Lord Vishnu. Others believe it to be the birthday of Lakshmi. the foremost widespread belief is that Diwali celebrates the come back of Lord avatar beside god Sita and Lakshman from his 14-year-long exile to the dominion of Ayodhya. To show the enjoyment of the come back of their king, the individuals of Ayodhya light the complete kingdom with material diyas, that gave birth to the pageant of lights.
Diwali in varied Religions
Diwali is one amongst those Indian festivals that unify completely different religions, regions and cultures. The festival finds significance in Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism along with Hinduism. Hindus celebrate Diwali as the homecoming of Lord Rama to his hometown Ayodhya after defeating the Ravana, the Rakshasa King of Lanka after serving a 14 years exile in the forests. Jains celebrate the festival as the day when Mahavira, their last Tirthankara on earth, attained Nirvana or enlightenment. The Buddhists celebrate Diwali as the day when Emperor Ashoka converted himself to Buddhism. The Sikhs celebrate the festival to remember the homecoming of their Guru Har Gobind Ji from the prison of Emperor Jahangir along with numerous Hindu gurus.
The Significance of 5 Days of Diwali
5 days of Diwali serve different occasions according to Hindu mythology. The first day of Diwali is Dhanteras which indicates the beginning of the new financial year for Hindus. The second day of Diwali is Chhoti Diwali which is celebrated to remember the victory of Lord Krishna over the devil king Naraka. The third day is the main Diwali day which involves worshipping Goddess Lakshmi to rejoice her birth from Samudra Manthan. The fourth day of Diwali is known as Govardhan Puja which is celebrated to venerate the triumph of Lord Vishnu over the demon king
Bali as well as the victory of Lord Krishna over God Indra. The fifth and final day of Diwali is known as Bhai Dooj which celebrates the love and bond of brothers and sisters.
Diwali Rituals: How is Diwali Celebrated in India?
Home Decorations: Diwali celebrations start with decorating the home. People often get their houses deep-cleaned in order to make it more aesthetic and pleasing. Decorations include lights, diyas and flowers. These symbolise lightness and success as they light-up the entire atmosphere and lift your spirits. A major part of this celebration is Rangoli making which are paintings made with colour at the entrance and courtyards of houses in order to welcome Goddess Laxmi.
Fireworks: Bursting crackers on Diwali has been one of the key rituals of this festival since forever! Right from simple Phooljhadi to patatakas, to chaklis, you will find a range of crackers lighting up the sky. However, it is important to be aware of the environment, so make sure you do not burst too many!
Laxmi Puja: This is one of the major rituals on Diwali when prayers are offered to Goddess Laxmi in lieu of a better year filled with wealth, peace and prosperity. This is done by lighting an oil lamp (diya) in front of the idol followed by prayers (aarti) that include hymns and chants dedicated to Lord Laxmi. Along with this, people clean the idol with gangajal or milk and water, apply haldi and kumkum, and offer flowers sweets and coconut to the goddess in order to receive her blessings.
Shopping and Gifts: Perhaps the most exciting part of Diwali is Dhanteras, when people go shopping for their relatives and friends. Gifting one’s relatives is a huge tradition in India, especially on Diwali when families exchange presents as a way of wishing each other a year full of happiness and success.
Feasts: Feasts are always an essential part of any Hindu festival. Having said that, it definitely is a major ritual on Diwali. Families often share sweets such as jalebis, laddus, Gujia, Kaju-kathli, kheer, halwas and barfis. Along with that, savoury snacks, cauliflower pakora or fritters, paneer makhani, samosa, puri and idli are served.
Best Places to Experience Diwali Celebrations in India
The five days of Diwali also account for a long holiday period. This year, Diwali falls on a Thursday, making it an extended weekend. The occasion offers you an opportunity to witness Diwali celebrations in a different city in India. Although, the festival of lights is celebrated with great exuberance across the country, there are few places which are especially famous for their grand Diwali celebrations.
Varanasi :
Varanasi, Diwali is an elaborate affair. A special Ganga Aarti takes place in the evening. The river is lit up with thousands of diyas floating over its surface. The environment is filled with the chants of the priests, singing prayers for Goddess Ganga and Lakshmi. The fireworks rarely stop and the Ghats reflect the beauty of a surreal world. It is a sight to behold, and one of the best Diwali experiences in India.
Jaipur :
Jaipur is a regal city itself. The city looks exquisitely beautiful and royal on the occasion of Diwali. The streets, homes and markets are lit up by sparkling lights, making the pink city a shimmering kaleidoscope of colours. The sky of Jaipur observes blinding fireworks and the markets serve traditional delicacies which leave people, licking their fingers.
New Delhi :
The capital of India, New Delhi, does not lag behind when it comes to celebrating Diwali. The markets and major buildings of the city are decorated gloriously and the streets display countless twinkling lights with happy faces all around. The weather becomes slightly chilly, making a perfect companion of the warm festival.
Nothing beats Diwali than Kolkata’s nostalgic streets. Goddess Kali is worshipped around the same time in Kolkata and the streets are lit up with lamps, diyas and candles. People celebrate Diwali days with family and friends, feasting, drinking and having an amiable time. Desserts are to look out for during this festive period.
Chennai :
In the southern part of India, Diwali is celebrated from the beginning of the day. People awake at the crack of dawn to have a traditional oil bath. The Puja takes place in the morning and bursting of crackers takes place entire day. Celebrations here usually wind up by evening.
Year Weekday Date Name
2015 Wednesday 11 November Diwali/Deepavali
2016 Sunday 30 October Diwali/Deepavali
2017 Thursday 19 October Diwali/Deepavali
2018 Wednesday 7 November Diwali/Deepavali
2019 Sunday 27 October Diwali/Deepavali
2020 Saturday 14 November Diwali/Deepavali
2021 Thursday 4 November Diwali/Deepavali
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