The biggest and most spectacular event is the Hindu festival of lights, also known as Deepavali or Diwali. Diwali is a festival that lasts for five days and is observed in India and throughout the rest of the world. Diwali, one of the most beautiful and revered holidays, is when the nation is lit up by pure enchantment and brightness, dazzling everyone with happiness and excitement.
Diwali, sometimes called Deepawali, is one of the most significant, eagerly anticipated, and special holidays observed throughout India and some areas of Nepal. Deepawali, which means "Rows of Deep'' in Sanskrit, was the name used at first.
Diwali has become the preferred pronunciation over time, particularly in Hindi, whereas Deepawali is still the preferred pronunciation in Nepali. Diwali, often known as the "Festival of Lights," is enthusiastically recognised as a national holiday throughout India.
The best time to enjoy Diwali is in late October or early November. Diwali occurs on the fifteenth day of the Hindu calendar month of Kartik. Therefore its exact date fluctuates every year. Diwali's five days have special customs that give people reason to feel high expectations, love, peace, a refreshed mind, and pure pleasure.
Diwali, sometimes called Deepawali
Diwali is in late October or early November
Diwali has a long history that dates back to ancient India
Diwali has a long history that dates back to ancient India. However, some myths have a connection with the beginning of Diwali.
In the Dwapara yuga, a demon Narakasura, the evil monarch of Pragjyotishapura, close to modern-day Assam, who had imprisoned 16,000 virgins, was destroyed by Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Narak Chaturdashi is the day Krishna defeated Narakasura in the Braj region of northern India, in portions of Assam, and the Tamil and Telugu populations in the south.
The people worship the black goddess of strength, Maa Kali, in several regions of India, particularly in Bengal, where the event is widely observed. According to legend, Goddess Kali was born to deliver the sky and the earth from the evil demons' clutches. Unexpectedly, after dispatching the monsters, Goddess Kali lost control of her rage and began murdering anybody who got in her way. Lord Shiva had to stop her from continuing her murderous spree. She climbs on Lord Shiva at this very time while sticking out her scarlet tongue before stopping her violent behaviour in shock and regret.
On Diwali, most Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi, who they regard as a goddess of richness. The New Moon day of the Karthik month is the day this deity was born. Lord Vishnu was so moved by Lakshmi's calm beauty that he agreed to marry her. Since then, people have celebrated Diwali to honour the goddess Lakshmi and ask for her favours.
The return of Pandava to Hastinapur :- In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, the Pandavas came to Hastinapur on Kartik Amavasya as Diwali.
The event is joyful, with a spirit of goodwill, and exudes purity. As a sign of reverence for the gods responsible for accomplishing wisdom, happiness, money, harmony, and prosperity, homes are lit with lights, and firecrackers fill the sky. It's also thought that the sound of fireworks signals the happiness of the earth's inhabitants and the existence of the abundant Gods. People are discovering better methods for expressing their delight because of their impact on the environment.
A simple smile and a kind, accepting heart can soften even the toughest hearts. The Diwali lights also stand for a period when we should extinguish our negative desires and thoughts and experience a deeper, inner radiance.
Burning crackers, playing cards, lighting lamps, donning new clothes, distributing sweets, exchanging presents, and many other rituals and traditions have a connection with Diwali.
The five days of Diwali celebrations each have a specific meaning and set of customs.
On the first day, known as "Dhanteras," new silverware and utensils are brought into the house. The second day, known as "Chhoti Diwali," is usually spent getting ready for the third day, and many families continue the ritual of playing cards.
The third day, or the next day, is "Badi Diwali," when mother Laxmi is worshipped. The Govardhan Puja is held on the fourth day, and Bhai Dooj marks the culmination of the five-day celebration.
Diwali is a "Festival of Lights" in the truest sense. It entails lighting lamps and ushers happiness, community, spiritual growth, and wealth for all.
The holiday of Diwali does fill the air with an aura of righteousness and a heaven-like feeling thanks to the sounds of crackers driving away all bad omens, the light from burning lamps illuminating people's life, and the prayers and pujas that create this ambience.