Diwali is one of the most important and colorful festivals in India. It is also called the Festival of Lights, because the whole country is lit up with lights, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. The name comes from the Sanskrit word “Dipavali ‘ and translates as ’row of lights”.
This festival attracts people from all over the world and is celebrated not only in India but also in other countries with Indian diaspora. It is celebrated every year in the fall, usually in October-November. The festival lasts for five days, with the main celebrations taking place on the third day. In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31.
Origins and history of Diwali
According to ancient texts, the roots of this holiday go back to the deep mythology of India. The most famous story is connected with Rama, the main character of the epic “Ramayana”. After years of exile and victory over the evil demon Ravana, Rama returns to his kingdom, and his subjects greet him by lighting the way with a multitude of oil lamps. This moment has come to symbolize the victory of light over darkness, good over evil.
There is also another legend associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the patroness of prosperity and well-being. On the night of Diwali, she visits the homes of believers, bringing them luck, wealth and happiness. Therefore, people try to make their homes as bright as possible by welcoming Lakshmi and creating an atmosphere of joy.
How is Diwali celebrated?
People decorate their homes and streets with lights, light oil lamps and candles, create colorful rangoli patterns, set off fireworks, exchange gifts and sweets. On this day, many families perform rituals and prayers in honor of Lakshmi, attracting good luck and prosperity to the home.
During this period, Hindus also believe in the luck brought by gambling, so the tradition of playing games such as tin patti or blackjack has become part of the holiday. In addition, many entrepreneurs start a new financial year on Diwali and open their books of accounts, attracting success and prosperity.
Diwali is celebrated over five days. Each has its own traditions and symbolism:
- Dhanteros – the first day when people buy gold, silver and other valuable items as a sign of prosperity.
- Naraka Chaturdashi is the second day when they celebrate the release of negative energy. Indians do cleaning and prepare for the main day of the festival.
- Lakshmi Puja – the third and main day when they perform rituals in honor of Goddess Lakshmi, light lamps, set off fireworks and treat each other with sweets.
- Govardhan Puja is the fourth day when families and friends come together to honor Krishna.
- Bhai Dooj is the fifth day dedicated to brother-sister love and family bonding.
Holiday atmosphere
During the festival, towns and villages are covered with many lights and decorative lamps. People decorate their houses with garlands, drawings on the floor – rangoli, light candles and oil lamps that create a fabulous glow. The holiday is accompanied by fireworks and merry festivities. During this period, it is customary to wear new outfits and share sweets, which symbolizes renewal and prosperity.
During the celebration, some regions of India actually organize the burning of effigies representing various demons and monsters. For example, effigies of the demon king Ravana are often made life-size, decorated with bright colors and placed on the streets. These figures symbolize evil and dark forces that are overcome by light and good.
The culmination of the holiday is the colorful rituals of burning the effigies, accompanied by fireworks and loud clappers. People gather around the effigies, watching the fire devour the symbols of evil, creating a colorful and spectacular show. This ritual symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the cleansing of negative energies.
Eco-Diwali: How traditions are changing for the sake of nature
Every year, more and more people in India and around the world are starting to think about how to reduce the negative environmental impact of Diwali. Traditional fireworks, while beautiful, produce a lot of smoke and chemicals that pollute the air. In major cities, especially Delhi, smog levels increase dramatically after Diwali, creating dangerous health conditions. In response, people are increasingly choosing eco-friendly ways to celebrate by launching safe, smoke-free fireworks and replacing fire crackers with LED garlands and lights, which also beautifully decorate homes and streets. In addition, many people prefer to light traditional oil lamps – they give a warm glow and do not pollute the atmosphere.
Significance in the modern world
Today, it is not only a religious holiday, but also a symbol of unity and kindness. People of different faiths and cultures join in the celebrations, finding joy in fellowship and sharing positive energy. This festival reminds us of the importance of family bonding, caring for our neighbor and accepting the diversity around us.
Diwali is a festival that leaves a mark in the heart of everyone who has ever experienced this unforgettable atmosphere of light and goodness. Irrespective of religious beliefs, it inspires one to believe in the power of light to overcome darkness.
