Diwali
When is Diwali in 2009? 2009 Diwali is on 17th October i.e Saturday.
When is Diwali in 2010? 2010 Diwali is on 5th November i.e Friday.
This is a popular and the biggest festival in India significant in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism and Buddhism. It is festival of lights and is celebrated in much splendor. It is celebrated in all parts of India. It is celebrated for over a period of five days and on the third day the main Diwali is celebrated by lighting lamps and diyas (small lights made up of oil). It is also known as Deepavali in some places.
History of Diwali
It is held in the Hindu month of Kartik ( November and December). It takes place on New Moon somewhere between October 13th and November 14th. The celebration takes place to commemorate the coronation of Lord Rama in Ayodhya, after his return from 14 years of exile accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. He had killed Ravana the demon king of Sri Lanka, who had kidnapped Sita. In Jainism, the event marks the attainment of Nirvana by Lord Mahavira on October 15th, 527 B.C. The Sikhs celebrate to commemorate the return of Guru Har Gobind Singh Ji (1595-1644) who had been imprisoned by Emperor Jahangir along with 53 other Hindu kings at Fort Gwalior. After being free he visited the Darbar Sahib ( the Golden Temple) in Amritsar, the holy city of Sikhs. He was welcomed by the people by lighting diyas and candles.
Rituals of Diwali
Laxmi puja (Goddess of Wealth) is celebrated in the evening for mental, physical and material well-being. Sweets are distributed among family and friends and gifts are exchanged. In the south part of India they have a bath in the early morning hours before the sun rises. Special puja is done in praise of Lord Krishna, who returned after killing Narkasur, the demon They then have a bath in fragrant oils and put on new clothes. Small diyas are lit and children burst crackers. Elaborate breakfast, lunch and dinners are organized for family and friends and again small diyas are lit in the evening and crackers are burst. It is an enjoyable day full of fun and frolic.
Celebration of Diwali
After Laxmi puja is performed in the evening small diyas which consists of cotton balls in small pots full of oil or candles are lit in the evening. The houses are decorated with these lights and lanterns are hung. Everybody dresses up in new clothes. Children along with adults burst crackers. Houses are decorated with Rangolis. Family and friends meet over breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sweets and other savories are exchanged among friends and family members. Fireworks are displayed.
Diwali is a happy occasion for the family members and their friends to meet. It is a festival which children enjoy. They love eating sweets and bursting fire crackers. It is an auspicious occasion for health and material prosperity.
