Published by In Sanskrit the meaning of the term Diwali is festival of lights. The other name variants are Deepavali. Diwali is one of the largest Hindu festival of lights. It is a largest festival celebrated by Hindus all over the world from the time immemorial. According to Shalivahana calendar, (South Indian Hindu Calendar) the festival commences on the Chaturthi thithi and ends on the new moon day. In north India Diwali is celebrated for the five days from the 13th day of the Krishna Paksha (dark half of the lunar month) Ashvina to the second day of the light half of Karttika. According to western calendar Diwali falls in the months of October or November. In short Diwali comes exactly twenty days after Dussehra. The term Diwali means “rows of lighted lamps”. People refer this celebration as the “Festival of Lights”.
Why we celebrate Diwali? The most heard Puranic version is that we celebrate Diwali to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Another reason mostly well known to us is that Diwali is the day Krishna conquered and killed the demon Narakasura. Narakasura’s submission to Lord Krishna was that people should adopt this day to honor the death of the demon. Lord Krishna has accepted the request made by the demon and since from that time this day is being adopted as Diwali..
For many North Indian Hindus, this day is also celebrated as New Year’s Eve in north India. The Sikh people also attach significance to the sixth Guru, Hargobind Singh and celebrate Diwali. The day is most important to Jains in India since Lord Mahavir established Dharma on this day. Sweets and snacks are exchanged between families. The goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. People light lamps to invite goddess Lakshmi to their home. Hindus decorate their homes with festoons. People consider that a holy bath on this day in Ganges will bring prosperity to them. They will wear new dresses. To enhance the cheer of Diwali both the kids and youngsters fire crackers and fireworks during that night.
This year Diwali falls on 27th October 2008 and 28th October 2008. I wish you a joyous Diwali to all Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and their families and friends. I hope you will enjoy your Diwali celebration with cheer.
