Diwali

Diwali
Name	Diwali
Caption	Diyas are traditionally lit during the festival.
Observedby	Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, some Buddhists
Type	Religious, cultural, seasonal
Significance	Victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance
Date	Decided by the lunisolar Hindu calendar
Celebrations	Rangoli, puja, fireworks, family feasts, gifts
Relatedto	Dhanteras, Bhai Dooj, Govardhan Puja, Kali Puja

Diwali. Also known as Deepavali, it is one of the most significant festivals in the cultural and religious landscape of South Asia and the Indian diaspora worldwide. The five-day festival, whose date is determined by the Hindu calendar, symbolizes the spiritual triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhist communities, it involves rituals, feasting, and the lighting of lamps.

Etymology and other names

The name derives from the Sanskrit word *Deepavali*, meaning "row of lights," referencing the illuminated earthen lamps or diyas that define the celebration. Regional languages have their own variants, such as *Dipaboli* in Assamese and *Deepavali* in Kannada. In parts of India like West Bengal and Assam, the associated Kali Puja coincides with the main day. The festival is also a central observance in the religious calendars of Jainism and Sikhism, marking distinct historical events.

Religious significance

Within Hinduism, Diwali is linked to several Puranic narratives, most commonly the return of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and victory over Ravana, as recounted in the Ramayana. In South India, it often commemorates the victory of Krishna over the demon Narakasura. For the Jain community, it marks the liberation of Mahavira at Pavapuri. For Sikhs, it honors the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment in the Gwalior Fort by the Mughal emperor Jahangir.

History

Early mentions of the festival appear in Sanskrit texts like the Skanda Purana and the Padma Purana, which describe lamps as symbols of the sun. The celebration is also referenced in the works of renowned Sanskrit poets such as Rajasekhara. Historical accounts from foreign travelers, including the Persian historian Al-Biruni and the Venetian merchant Niccolò de' Conti, describe Deepavali festivities in the Indian subcontinent. Its observance was further solidified and popularized during the rule of various empires, including the Vijayanagara Empire.

Observances and rituals

Preparations begin with thorough cleaning and decoration of homes and workplaces. The core ritual involves the Lakshmi Puja, invoking the goddess of wealth Lakshmi and the god of wisdom Ganesha. This is followed by lighting rows of diyas and candles, and creating colorful floor art known as rangoli. Families share elaborate feasts and sweets like laddoo and barfi. The exchange of gifts and fireworks displays are common. The broader festival period includes Dhanteras, dedicated to Dhanvantari, and Bhai Dooj, celebrating sibling bonds.

Regional variations

Traditions vary significantly across the Indian subcontinent. In Gujarat, it coincides with the start of the new financial year and is dedicated to Lakshmi. In West Bengal and Odisha, the focus shifts to Kali Puja. In the Punjab region, Sikhs illuminate the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. In Nepal, it is known as Tihar and includes honoring animals like crows and dogs. Distinct celebrations also occur in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji, often incorporating local customs.

Cultural and social impact

Diwali is a national holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and Fiji. Economically, it spurs major consumer spending, akin to the Christmas season in the Western world, with peaks in sales for gold, clothing, and automobiles. The festival has been celebrated at iconic global institutions like the White House and the Australian Parliament. Environmental concerns over air pollution from fireworks have led to regulations in cities like Delhi and public awareness campaigns.

Category:Hindu festivals Category:Jain festivals Category:Sikh festivals Category:Indian festivals Category:Observances set by the Hindu calendar