On the auspicious day of the festival DIWALI, We wish HAPPY DIWALI to all of you. May the divine light of Diwali spread into your life. Peace, prosperity, happiness and good health.
Deepavali (also: Diwali) is one of India’s biggest festivals. The word ‘Deepawali’ means rows of lighted lamps. It is a festival of lights and Hindus celebrate it with joy. During this festival, people light up their houses and shops with Diyas (Small cup-shaped oil lamp made of baked clay). They worship the Lord Ganesha for welfare and prosperity and Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and wisdom.
This festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartikamasam which falls sometime during October or November. It is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama after 14 years of exile and his victory over the Demon Ravana. In many parts of India, Deepawali is celebrated for five consecutive days and is one of the most popular festivals in India. Hindus regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen relationships. In some parts of India, it marks the beginning of a new year. The Hindus worship the Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi during Deepawali. people clean and decorate their houses before the festival.
Deepawali is celebrated and is a public holiday in countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago. It is also a school holiday in many states of the United States with a large Hindu population.
These countries celebrate Diwali just like we in India do.
| Mauritius | Nepal | Malaysia | Indonesia |
| Myanmar | Singapore | Sri Lanka | Japan |
| Thailand | South Africa | Kenya & Tanzania | Britain |
| Australia | Trinidad & Tobago | Guyana | Fiji |
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists, although for each faith it marks different historical events and stories, but nonetheless the festival represents the same symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
Diwali is a five-day festival, the height of which is celebrated on the third day coinciding with the darkest night of the lunar month. During the festival, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs illuminate their homes, temples and workspaces with diyas, candles and lanterns Hindus, in particular, have a ritual oil bath at dawn on each day of the festival. Diwali is also marked with fireworks and the decoration of floors with rangoli designs. Food is a major focus with families partaking in feasts and sharing sweets.
