This year, Diwali fell on Thursday October 31, 2024, through Friday, November 1, 2024. In the country of India, this five-day celebration marked the biggest traditional holiday of the year. This festival symbolized the victory of light over darkness as well as good over evil.
Like many Hindu festivals and holidays, there is not just one reason why Diwali is celebrated. Some say the light festival is celebrated to remember ancient stories in religious text. These stories are either spoken about the triumph of the good or the evil.
In northern India, there is a very common tale about King Rama, who is the incarnation of the god Vishnu. It has been said that King Rama’s wife was captured and taken by the evil king and in order to save her, Rama builds an army of monkeys to rescue her. Once King Rama’s wife is returned safely, there are said to be millions of lights spread across their city to welcome them home. Thus, resulting in the lighting of lamps that has been one of the many ways Hindus celebrate Diwali.
There is another story that has origins from southern India where Diwali is linked to the Hindu god Krishna, who is said to be a different incarnation of the god Vishnu. In this story Krishna frees over fifteen thousand women from another evil king.
In other religions such as Buddhism or Sikhism, Diwali is used to mark the important events in their anxiety histories. In western India, the festival indicates that God Vishnu, the Preserver, has sent the evil king to rule in another world. There are many tales that tell the story of Diwali.
Diwali is celebrated over the span of five days. On day one, people clean up their homes and go shopping for gold to bring good fortune. It is also said that on day one, people can purchase kitchen utensils to also bring good fortune into their home. Day two consists of people decorating their homes with clay lamps. They also create patterns called “rangoli” on the floor that use colored sand. On day three, families come together for Lakshmi Puja, which is a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi. This day is followed by a big feast and fireworks. Day four is also known as the first day of the new year. This is when friends and family come together to give gifts and send wholesome wishes for their new year. On the last day, brothers are to visit their married sisters, where there will be a home cooked meal served with love.
Over the centuries, Diwali has blossomed into a national festival that can be enjoyed by everyone.
