Diwali, Explained
WIKIMEDIA
Diwali is a yearly affirmation of good over evil and light over darkness, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Coined as the festival of lights, the lights are symbolic to welcome the Gods and Goddesses into homes. It is celebrated over five days, marking the start of the Hindu New Year. The dates change each year due to the changing positions of the moon, it was celebrated from November 2 to 6 this year.
The story of Diwali varies in origin and beliefs amongst all these religious groups along. On this day the Hindus worship the Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good fortune. The Hindu deity, Lord Rama, returned to the city of Ayodhya on this day after 14 years of exile after a victory over King Ravana of Sri Lanka. The people of Ayodhya lit their houses on his arrival to welcome him, and began to celebrate this as a festival of lights.
During the early agrarian society in India, the celebration of Diwali occurred at the same time as the last harvest before winter. Indian business- es continue to consider Diwali as the first day of the fiscal new year.
With the five days of Diwali, there are different celebrations that occur each day.
The days are: Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Diwali, Padwa, and Bhai Duj. On Dhanteras, people clean their homes and buy a gold or stainless steel item. On Choti Diwali, people decorate their house, often with string lights and decorate their floor with intricate rangoli designs made from coloured rice, flower petals, powder, or sand.
Diwali, the third day, is the most celebrated. On November 4 this year, clay lamps also known as diyas were filled with mustard oil with cotton inside to be lit, and the worshiping of idols was performed. Many go to temples for worship, though it is also done at home. Flowers, fruits, and sweets are also offered to the Goddess. In India, sweets are made at home and bazaars are full of sweets, weeks in advance, and people buy new clothes. In addition, families get together.
Padwa is the celebration of the love between spouses, and Bhai Duj is dedicated to the bond of brothers and sisters.