The Significance of Diwali
Bright. Brilliant. Big.
Lighting up the skies for days with its beautiful fireworks and resounding with booming sounds, Diwali or Deepawali is the festival of lights. Its meaning stems from deep or light and avali or a row of lights). Celebrating life, Diwali is full of traditions, rituals and a heritage of all that’s bright and beautiful. Illuminating the skies with pretty hues, this festival takes its roots from the harvest festival which originates from ancient Indian customs.
Surrounded by myths, legends and mystic stories, Diwali signifies the symbol of wisdom and auspiciousness and has been interpreted as a celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu and in Bengal it is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali. Jainism depicts this festival as the attainment of eternal bliss by Lord Mahavira and commemorates the vanquishing of Ravana, the demon king by Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman with their joyous return from exile to Ayodhya. This event echoed the happiness of the Ayodhyan kingdom by bursting of crackers and lighting of oil lamps or diyas.
Celebrating Illumination from Darkness to Light
Ranging over fantasy and mythological fables, Diwali showcases rituals each with its own story which is significant and relevant to lifestyles. As homes are lit up with diyas or lamps, Diwali is also celebrated with firecrackers which signify paying obeisance to the heavens for the gifts of happiness, wealth, health, prosperity and peace. The sound of the firecrackers signifies the plentiful state of the people which make the heavenly beings aware of their prosperous lives.
The Triumph of Good over Evil
With plenteous rain and an atmosphere of joy, Diwali has four days of celebrations steeped in lore, mystery and myths. Depicting the vanquishing of evil and the triumph of good, Diwali illuminates hearts and homes with light and dispels darkness or gloom. With the empowerment of light which inspires good deeds, divinity is a step closer. Lit up with diyas, the echo of crackers, the fragrance of incense mingled with hope and togetherness, Diwali is celebrated around the world with the same dreams, joy and illumination.
Presents. Prosperity. Pleasure.
Transcending darkness into light, Diwali illuminates the soul and celebrates South-Asian identities with exchanging of presents or gifts, sweets, delicious dishes and above all well-being. Symbolizing positive energies and hope, Diwali is eluded by the light of the moon which inspires people to light every corner of their lives with good and destroying the forces of evil. As every home is festooned with beautiful decorations, colorful lights and an ambience of joy, people dress up in their best and spread cheer by visiting friends, family and relations. There are grand social gatherings, rangoli making and sharing of sweets, crackers and gifts besides being filled with religious and spiritual activities.
Ushering in Tidings of Joy
Lighting up October or November with glad tidings of joy, Diwali is celebrated by all ages with enthusiasm and zeal as light dispels the gloom. As a major festival is India, the date of this great celebration is decided according to the Hindu calendar. Celebrated by various cultures which includes the Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs, Diwali is mostly celebrated in India by its people as the advent of a new business year. With offerings of prayers, homes are lit up two to three days ahead of the auspicious date with many social institutions arranging fun-filled programs as an invitation to people to share, care and hope for a better future.