Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Hinduism. It is often referred to as the “Festival of Lights” and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Diwali is celebrated over five days, with each day holding special significance and customs. The festival typically falls between mid-October and mid-November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar.
The festivities begin with Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, which is dedicated to prosperity and wealth. It is customary for people to buy gold, silver, or new utensils on this day as a symbol of good fortune.
The second day of Diwali is known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, which commemorates the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. People clean and decorate their homes with rangoli (colorful patterns made with colored powders), light oil lamps, and burst firecrackers to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
The third day of Diwali is the main day of celebration, known as Diwali or Deepavali. On this day, people dress in new clothes, offer prayers to the goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity), and light oil lamps and candles to illuminate their homes and welcome her blessings. Families also gather for a special feast and exchange gifts with loved ones.
The fourth day of Diwali is Govardhan Puja, which commemorates the lifting of Mount Govardhan by Lord Krishna to protect the villagers from torrential rains. It is customary to build small mountains of cow dung and worship them as a symbol of the mountain.
The fifth and final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for the well-being and prosperity of their brothers, and brothers give gifts to their sisters as a token of their love and appreciation.
Overall, Diwali is a time of joy, renewal, and togetherness, where families and communities come together to celebrate the triumph of light and goodness over darkness and negativity. It is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by people of various faiths and backgrounds across India and around the world.
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