When is the diwali festival celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika, which typically falls in october or november, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2024, diwali will be on Thursday, november 1. The festival spans five days, with the third day (main diwali or lakshmi Puja) being the central celebration.
Key Aspects of Diwali:
Diwali, the festival of Lights, is a celebration with various spiritual, cultural, and social aspects. Here are some key aspects:
- Spiritual Significance: diwali signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It’s associated with various legends in Hinduism, such as Lord Rama's return to ayodhya after defeating Ravana and Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.
- Lighting Diyas (Lamps): oil lamps (diyas) are lit to symbolize the removal of spiritual darkness. Homes, temples, and public spaces are illuminated, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
- Worship of Goddess Lakshmi: The third day of Diwali is dedicated to lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. people perform lakshmi Puja to invite wealth and blessings for the coming year.
- Rangoli Designs: beautiful rangoli (colored patterns) are created at home entrances to welcome guests and invoke auspiciousness. This art form varies by region and reflects vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
- Fireworks and Festivities: Fireworks and sparklers are commonly used to celebrate. These are believed to ward off evil spirits, although eco-friendly celebrations are now encouraged.
- Exchanging Sweets and Gifts: diwali is a time for sharing, and people exchange sweets, dry fruits, and gifts with family, friends, and neighbors. This fosters a sense of unity and goodwill.
- New Beginnings: diwali also marks the beginning of the new financial year in some indian communities, making it a time for businesses to start fresh accounts (Chopda Puja).
Each region and community may celebrate diwali with its own traditions, but the universal theme is joy, light, and the hope for prosperity.
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