Diwali Festival, Meaning, Puja, & Significance

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in India and by Hindus around the world. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival spans five days and is filled with vibrant colors, lights, fireworks, sweets, and prayers.

What is Diwali

Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” translates to “row of lights.” The festival usually falls between mid-October and mid-November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar. it is also Known as Festival of Lights, Light Represents the Victory from darkness and Victory of Rightness over evil, Victory of Positivity Over Negativity, it will also reflect that Truth is always winning It is a time of great joy and celebration, uniting families and communities.

Significance of Diwali Festival for Hindus or Why Diwali Celebrated :

Diwali holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and culture. It marks several important events:

The Return of Lord Rama: Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya illuminated the city with earthen lamps to welcome their beloved prince.
Goddess Lakshmi: Diwali is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that on this day, she visits homes and blesses them with abundance and prosperity.
Lord Krishna’s Triumph: In some parts of India, Diwali is associated with the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. His triumph symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

Diwlai 2023 Date in India

In India, Diwali will be Celebrated on 12 November 2023 in the day of Sunday.

Diwali 2023 Dates in the USA

In 2023, Diwali will be celebrated on November 12nd in the USA. The festival is celebrated on the darkest night of the Hindu month Kartik, which usually corresponds to October or November in the Gregorian calendar.

The Five Days of Diwali

A. Dhanteras

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations. It is considered an auspicious day to buy gold, silver, and utensils as a sign of good luck and prosperity.

B. Chhoti Diwali also Known as Narak Chaudas

Chhoti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, is celebrated a day before Diwali. It commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People light earthen lamps and burst firecrackers to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.

C. Diwali

Diwali, the main day of the festival, is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People decorate their homes with colorful rangoli designs and light earthen lamps. Fireworks illuminate the night sky, and families gather for feasts and exchange gifts.

D. Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja is observed on the fourth day of Diwali. It commemorates Lord Krishna’s act of lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from incessant rain. Devotees build small hillocks using cow dung and worship them.

E. Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the fifth and final day of Diwali. It is a special day to honor the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tilak (vermilion mark) on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long and prosperous lives.

How People Prepare Their Houses For Diwali Festival Decoration & Celebration

During Diwali, people clean their homes and decorate them to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your home to rid it of negative energy and make room for positivity.
Rangoli: Create vibrant rangoli designs at the entrance of your home to welcome guests and bring good luck.
Diya Decoration: Light earthen lamps (diyas) and place them around your home to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
Flower Decorations: Adorn your home with fresh flowers, such as marigolds and roses, to add a touch of beauty and fragrance.
Toran: Hang decorative door hangings called torans made of flowers, leaves, or beads to bring good fortune.

and many more things are done by individual persons.

Why is Diwali called Diwali: Festival of Lights?

Diwali is often referred to as the “Festival of Lights” due to the significance of illuminating homes with diyas and decorative lights. The lighting of lamps symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

How to Perform Lakshmi Puja in Diwali

Performing Lakshmi Puja is an essential part of Diwali celebrations. Here is a simple method to perform the puja:

Clean the puja area and decorate it with flowers and rangoli.
Place a Kalash (brass or copper pot) filled with water, betel nuts, and coins on a bed of uncooked rice.
Light incense sticks and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Goddess Lakshmi.
Recite Lakshmi mantras and offer prayers with devotion and gratitude.
Seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, prosperity, and well-being.

Diwali is a joyous festival that brings families and communities together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It holds deep cultural and religious significance for Hindus worldwide. As the festival approaches, let us embrace the spirit of Diwali and spread love, happiness, and prosperity. May the festival of lights illuminate our lives and bring us closer to our loved ones.

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