Diwali is a festival that is celebrated in India. But what is Diwali? Diwali is a light festival stretching over 5 days. This celebration is celebrated in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Diwali is all about “the victory of good over evil, the triumph of light over darkness, and hope over despair.”.
In different places in India, they celebrate it differently. For example, in Hinduism, they celebrate Lakshmi the goddess of wealth. In Bengal the goddess Kali is worshiped. North India celebrates the homecoming of Rama along with Sita, Hanuman, and Lakshmi.
A lot of religions and places have different ways of celebrating it. Some see it as a birthday celebration of the god Lakshmi and some see it as a festival.
Homes are decorated with rangoli which is colored rice or flower petals,
Doors are kept open in the hope of Lakshmi coming in and blessing the people with wealth and success.
Now that we know this information we can dive into the actual celebration and what people in New Delhi do in this celebration.
The first day of Diwali is to clean houses and purchase small items of gold.
The second day is “called Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, commemorates Krishna’s destruction of Narakasura; prayers are also offered for the souls of ancestors” (Britannica)
On the 3rd day people pray on the goddess Lakshmi for wealth and success (this is also the day for the light festival and visiting temples)
According to Britannica “The fourth day, known as Govardhan Puja, Balipratipada, or Annakut, commemorating Krishna’s defeat of Indra, the king of the gods, is also the first day of Karttika and the start of the new year in the Vikrama (Hindu) calendar. Merchants perform religious ceremonies and open new account books” (Britannica)
The 5th day is for the girls to pray for their brothers for their well-being and success.
In conclusion, Diwali is a festival for buying new clothes, feeding the poor, feasting, and setting off fireworks. Hope you have a nice time on Diwali with your Family.
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