Diwali: the Festival of Lights

Diwali (also spelled Dawali or Davali) or Deepavali [deep = "light of the dharma", avali = "a continuous line"] is an Indian festival that signifies the light of knowledge over the darkness of ignorance, which is celebrated on the last day of the last month (Kartika) of lunar calendar (falling on October 28th this year but is celebrated the two days prior and after this date). Diwali is celebrated over the span of five days, each with their own title (Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Diwali, Padwa and Govardhan Puja and Bhaiya Dooj), rituals and mythology [for more information on the separate days, I suggest reading this]. Diwali is significant in not only in Hinduism but in Sikhism, Jainism and Nepalese Buddhism. This article, however, focuses on the significance in Hinduism.

This festival is more commonly referred to and known as the 'Festival of Lights' or 'Row of Lights' as thousands are lights are lit on the eve of Diwali as a celebration and request to the gods for illuminating the darkness of human life. The lights vary from the form of ordinary candles, electric bulbs and lamps to decorative and elaborate earthen bowls with wicks and oil, called diyas. I heard once one a documentary that Dawali is tied to the Pleiades, but I've been unable to find supporting evidence for this.

Variations of Diwali can be found throughout India. For instance, in the north it is celebrated in order to welcome back Lord Rama after killing the demon Ravan, while in the south it is celebrated in order to commemorate the victory of Durga (the supreme goddess) over the ferocious demon Narakasura (though I have also seen it listed as Lord Vishnu not Durga). Either way, Diwali still holds on to its essence of light prevailing over darkness. This joyous festival in celebrated not only in India but in Singapore, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, England, the United States and many more countries.

The Components of Diwali

- Lights: Thousands of lights are lit to drive away the evil spirits. Refer to above.

- Fireworks: After prayers are offered and the exchange of sweets takes place, comes the time of fireworks.

- Exuberance: Diwali is the time when relatives are visited, feasts partaken, crackers opened, cards are sent, gambling takes place, melas or fairs are held, presents exchanged and joyful merriment ensues.

- Rangoli: This is a type of Hindu folk art, known by the name of Kolam in South India, Alpana in Bengal, Madana in Rajasthan and Aripana in Bihar. It is decorated on entrances, doorways, walls and more during Diwali. Many designs are made in Rangoli, including, birds, flowers, the symbol of Swastik, chakras, stars, geometrical figures and even footsteps that represent Lakshmi entering and leaving the household.

- Puja: During Diwali, special offerings of sweets are paid to the Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, the Nine Planets, Lord Shiva, Kuber and Kalsa. The puja to Lakshmi is given on the eve of Diwali in hopes that the goddess will stop by the well-lit houses to give blessings. Offerings are also given to Agni, lord of the fire, in the form of washing his feet and decorating him with kesar and vermilion mark. Cattle are also worshipped at this time as an incarnation of Lakshmi.

Sources: Wikipedia, DiwaliMela.com, and DiwaliFestival.org