Festival Of Lights
Deepavali this year falls on Monday, October 24. We hope that the light of Deepavali brightens your day this Diwali.
Interesting Facts About Deepavali
- Why Do We Celebrate Deepavali?
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Deepavali, Dipawali, or Diwali is India’s most important festival of Hinduism and grandest holiday of the year. It is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs. Aside from India, the main day (normally the third day) of Diwali is an official holiday in a number of South Asian countries, including Malaysia.
The festival is known for Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity and Ganesha, god of wisdom and the remover of obstacles. It also commemorates the day Rama, a major Hindu deity, returned to his kingdom in Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana after conquering the monster Ravana in Lanka and serving 14 years in exile. Additionally, several religions in India observe their own celebrations as well during Diwali such as Jainism and Sikhism.
- Deepavali vs Diwali?
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Deepavali is the same as Diwali, which both are variations of a Sanskrit term “row of lights”. Indians will light rows (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) outside their houses, indicating the inner light that protects, and drives away the spiritual darkness. Therefore, the holiday is named after the row of clap lamps, and it is also called the Festival of Lights.
- Does Diwali Fall On The Same Day Every Year?
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No. However, the festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika (starting from mid-October and ending in mid-November). In Hindu lunar calendar, each month begins and ends on a new moon day, and Diwali is celebrated on the darkest day of the lunar month, the day of the new Moon.
In scientific terms, a new moon occurs when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, and thus the side of the Moon that is in shadow faces Earth. This makes the Moon disappear into the dark night sky, hence having a darkest day.
- How Do Indians Celebrate Diwali?
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As we know, Diwali usually lasts five days.
#Day 1 : Indians clean, renovate, and decorate their homes with diyas – oil lamps made from clays and rangoli – colourful rice, sand, or flowers designs that can be seen on the floor of the home.
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#Day 2 : Indians will prepare or purchase special food (particularly sweets known as mithai) and pray for the souls of ancestors in the afterlife.
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#Day 3 : It is the main day of Diwali. On this day, families assemble to celebrate. Lanterns and candles are lit up in their houses and streets, as well as blasting fireworks!
#Day 4 : It is about the bonding between husband and wife, therefore husbands usually purchase their wives gifts to celebrate.
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#Day 5 : It’s all about the bond between siblings, especially between brothers and sisters.
It is all about love, peace, and prosperity, and it is beneficial to learn and understand the traditions and rituals of various religious groups as we live in this peaceful world.
Finally, on this Diwali and throughout the year, we wish you warmth, love, and light.
