Deepavali, which is also called Diwali, is a Hindu festival. Deepavali, in Sanskrit, literally means ‘rows of lighted lamps’. ‘Deep’ means light and ‘avali’ means a row. Darkness represents ignorance and light is a metaphor for knowledge. Thus lighting a lamp symbolizes the destruction of ignorance, of all negative thoughts, violence, anger, envy, greed through the light of knowledge.
Although a festival of the Hindus, all Indians celebrate Deepavali joyfully. They give expression to their happiness by lighting earthen ‘diyas’ or lamps. People clean, whitewash and light up their houses and shops; burst firecrackers; invite and visit their near and dear ones and partake in sumptuous feasts; many varieties of sweets and other delicacies are made at home. It is considered an auspicious time to begin new ventures and also to buy new clothes, jewellery and vehicles!
Deepavali is seen as a celebration of life and people use the occasion to strengthen family and relationships. The floors in living rooms and courtyard are decorated with patterns using coloured powder, rice, dry flour, flower petals etc. This traditional folk art called Rangoli, is believed to bring good luck.
Deepavali comes exactly twenty days after Dussehra. It coincides with the new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. According to the Gregorian Calendar, Deepavali falls between mid-October and mid-November. In many parts of India, Deepavali is celebrated for five consecutive days.
First day: Dhanteras, this day marks the birthday of Lakshmi – the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, and the birthday of Dhanvantari – the Goddess of Health and Healing. People buy jewellery, silver and gold coins.
Second day: Narak Chaturdasi is the second day of festivities, and is also called Choti Diwali. People also celebrate this day as Roop Choudas, and undertake beauty treatments like bathing with ‘ubtan’ (a mixture of turmeric, bean, besan and other herbal ingredients).
Third day: The main festive day of Deepavali. Lakshmi puja is performed. For Hindu businessmen, this is the last day of the financial year. Kali puja is performed in Bengal.
Fourth day: New year day. It is also called Padwa or Varsha Pratipada. Also observed as Annakoot where deities are given a milkbath and adorned with shining attires and ornaments.
Fifth day: Bhai dooj, which glorifies the sister-brother bond.
Deepavali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji.
Firecrackers use sulphur and release sulphur dioxide and charcoal into the air. They further cause a lot of noise pollution. They are now forbidden in silent zones i.e. near hospitals, schools and courts. People, specially children, are becoming environment friendly and have started celebrating Deepavali with fewer or no crackers.
This year, Deepavali is on 23rd of October. In 2015, it will fall on 11th November and in 2016, on October 30.
Various reasons for the celebration of Deepavali
