Dipavali also known as Diwali is the festival of lights, and a major holiday in India. It is recognized as a festival that brings people together for five days and celebrates light over darkness.
This year, the festivities for Diwali began on Saturday, October 18 with Dhanteras, a festival when people worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Celebrations ended with Labh Pancham on Sunday, October 26, a celebration when businesses reopen and people worship Lord Ganesha (the remover of obstacles), Goddess Lakshmi (for wealth and prosperity), Goddess Saraswati (for knowledge and wisdom), and Lord Kubera (the god of wealth and the treasurer of the gods).
There are many traditions worldwide that inspire people to Diwali. In Hinduism, the festival marks Lord Rama’s return to his home Ayodhya, with his wife Goddess Sita, and brother Lord Lakshman, after spending 14 years in exile and defeating the demon king of Lanka, Ravana, marking it as a moment of culture and unity.
The most common and significant tradition practiced during this festival is illuminating homes and streets with oil lamps (diyas) as a symbol of light and welcoming prosperity. Other common traditions include thoroughly cleaning homes and decorating them with intricate designs of colored powder called Rangoli.
In addition, families perform pujas (prayers) especially Lakshmi Puja, to honor the goddess of wealth and good fortune. They also exchange gifts and sweets with friends, family, and neighbors, prepare special meals and sweets such as laddoos and gulab jamun with their loved ones, and buy and wear new traditional clothing for the celebration.
Overall, Diwali is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate, and if anyone who enjoys both of those things will truly have an awesome time celebrating Diwali.