This "festival of lights" marks the beginning of the year and is an important holiday celebrated over 5 days in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sihkism with each celebrating in a different way and with slightly different interpretations of its origins. However, in ALL religions, the main takeaway is upholding the true values of life- the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
Diwali is celebrated every year on an "Amavasya" or "new moon day;" the 15th day of the 8th month as determined by the India Calendar, so it differs every year. For Hindus, Diwali represents the time when Prince Rama of Ayodhya (the 7th incarnation of Vishnu), his wife Sita, and brother Lakshiman returned from a 14-year exile, after defeating the demon king Ravana. In honor of their return, and to help guide them back to town, the people of Ayodhya lit lamps along their path. For the Jains, Diwali is the day when Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankaras, achieved Nirvana and established the Dharma. Lastly, but not leastly, Diwali is a celebration of freedom for the Sikhs. It tells the tale of the 6th guru, Guru Hargobind, who triumphed over Emperor Jahangir after he had imprisoned the Guru, and 52 other princes, in 1619. Not only did he win his freedom, but he refused to leave until all of the princes were also freed. While the stories and origins may vary, all three share the ideas of celebrating through worship, sharing of sweets, fireworks, and lights.
Day 1 of this celebration is called "Dhanteras" and is reserved for cleaning and preparing for the activities in the days to come. It's also considered lucky to go to the markets to do some shopping; mainly for kitchen items and gold. Day 2 is when the decorating begins and is called "Choti Diwali." People will hang up string lights and begin making these intricate designs on the floors of their homes with colored sand, powder, rice, or flower petals and are called "rangolis." On day 3, clay oil lamps called "diyas," which are meant to represent inner light and I think also the lamps that were lit by the people of Ayodhya in Hindu culture, are lit. The goddess Lakshmi, who is considered the goddess of prosperity and wealth, is worshipped on this day with rituals done at either a temple or at home. At home a worship table, puja chowki, will be set up to worship her. The puja chowki will have a red cloth on top which is then adorned with the idol and offerings to Lakshmi of flowers, fruits such as water chestnuts or pomegranate, and sweets such as a semolina pudding called kesari bhaat which one would prostrate and pray in front of.
The next day marks the beginning of the new year and is called "Padwa." This day is reserved for the love between husband and wife and is celebrated by an exchange of gifts between the two. The day is also considered auspicious so many businesses will open new accounts. The last day, day 5, is known as "Bhai Duj" and celebrates the love between brothers and sisters. On this day sisters will perform a ceremony for their brothers and, in exchange, the brothers will present gifts to their sisters.
No matter which story you believe or how you celebrate, I wish you a very happy Diwali! May it bring you peace, light, prosperity, and joy.
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