Diwali Festival : Celebration, History & Significance

🪔 Diwali – The Festival of Lights

Introduction:
Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of the biggest and most widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India and around the world. It is known as the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

When it is celebrated:

• Diwali is celebrated in the month of Kartika (October–November) according to the Hindu calendar.
• The festival usually lasts for five days, with the third day being the main Diwali night.

Why it is celebrated:

• In North India, Diwali marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and completing 14 years of exile.
• In Gujarat, it is linked with Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
• In Bengal, it is celebrated as Kali Puja.
• For Jains, Diwali marks Lord Mahavira’s nirvana, and for Sikhs, it is associated with Guru Hargobind Ji’s release from captivity.

How it is celebrated:

1. Lighting Diyas & Decorations:
   • Homes and streets are decorated with oil lamps (diyas), candles, and colorful rangoli.
2. Puja & Prayers:
   • On Diwali night, people perform Lakshmi Puja to seek blessings for wealth, happiness, and prosperity.
3. Fireworks:
   • Firecrackers and fireworks are burst to celebrate joy and drive away negativity.
4. Exchanging Sweets & Gifts:
   • Families and friends exchange sweets, dry fruits, and gifts.
5. New Beginnings:
   • Many businesses start their new financial year on Diwali with rituals of prosperity.

Significance:

• Represents the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
• Promotes unity, joy, and positivity among families and communities.
• Encourages sharing, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

Global Celebration:
Diwali is celebrated not only in India but also in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Fiji, Singapore, UK, USA, and Canada, where Indian communities spread the joy of this festival.

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✨ In short: Diwali is the festival of lights, joy, and prosperity, reminding us that goodness and truth always shine brighter than darkness and evil.