When is Diwali?

The significance of Diwali

Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India and other parts of the world. The word “Diwali” comes from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” which means “rows of lights.” The festival is celebrated to signify the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.

According to Hindu mythology, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, to their kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. It is also believed to be the day when Lord Vishnu rescued Goddess Lakshmi from the ocean of milk during the churning of the cosmic ocean.

For many people, Diwali is a time for spiritual renewal and togetherness. It is celebrated by lighting oil lamps, exchanging gifts, and feasting with family and friends. The festival also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year in some regions of India.

Overall, Diwali is a time of joy, hope, and renewed faith in the goodness of life. It is a celebration that brings people of different backgrounds and beliefs together to share in the triumph of light over darkness.

Diwali dates and lunar calendar

Diwali is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik, which usually falls between mid-October and mid-November on the Gregorian calendar. The exact date of Diwali varies each year as it is determined by the lunar calendar.

The festival is celebrated on the day of the new moon in the month of Kartik, which is known as Amavasya. However, the celebrations begin on Dhanteras, which falls two days before Diwali, and end on Bhai Dooj, which is celebrated two days after Diwali.

The dates of Diwali can vary by a day or two depending on the region, as different parts of India have their own ways of calculating the lunar calendar. In some parts of India, Diwali is celebrated over five days, while in others, it is a three-day celebration.

In recent years, there has been an effort to standardize the dates of Diwali across India to make it easier for people to plan their celebrations. In 2017, the Indian government declared that Diwali would be celebrated on the same day throughout the country, which has helped to reduce confusion and ensure that everyone can celebrate together.

How is Diwali celebrated?

Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement in India and other parts of the world. The celebrations usually begin a few weeks before the actual day of Diwali with people cleaning and decorating their homes.

On the day of Diwali, people wake up early and take a bath, wear new clothes, and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and good luck. The traditional way of celebrating Diwali is by lighting diyas or oil lamps, which symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness.

People also decorate their homes with rangolis, which are colorful patterns made with colored powder, flowers, and grains. In addition, fireworks are a big part of the Diwali celebrations, with people lighting firecrackers and watching colorful displays in the sky.

Food is also an important part of Diwali celebrations, with families preparing traditional sweets and snacks like gulab jamun, jalebi, and laddoos. In some regions of India, people also prepare a special meal called Diwali Faral, which includes a variety of savory and sweet dishes.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the impact of firecrackers on the environment and people’s health, leading to calls for more sustainable and eco-friendly ways of celebrating Diwali. Some people now opt for eco-friendly diyas and fireworks, while others choose to donate to charitable causes instead of buying firecrackers.

Diwali celebrations around the world

Diwali is not just celebrated in India but is also observed in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with large Hindu populations. In countries like Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, Diwali is a public holiday.

In the United States, Diwali is recognized as a major cultural festival and is celebrated in various ways by the Indian-American community. In recent years, many US cities have hosted Diwali festivals, with parades, music, dance, and food, showcasing the diversity of Indian culture.

Similarly, in the United Kingdom, Diwali is widely celebrated, particularly in cities with large South Asian communities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester. The celebrations usually include fireworks, music, and dance, as well as traditional Indian food and decorations.

In Canada, Diwali is also observed by the Indian diaspora, with major celebrations taking place in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. In Australia and New Zealand, Diwali is gaining popularity as a cultural festival, with events held in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland.

Overall, Diwali has become a global festival that brings people of different cultures and backgrounds together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and the spirit of togetherness and goodwill.

Diwali and its impact on the economy

Diwali is not just a cultural festival but also has a significant impact on the economy of India and other parts of the world. In India, Diwali is the biggest shopping season of the year, with people buying new clothes, jewelry, and household items for themselves and their families.

The festival is also a time for gift-giving, with people exchanging sweets, dry fruits, and other presents. As a result, many businesses, particularly those in the retail sector, see a spike in sales during the weeks leading up to Diwali.

The hospitality industry also benefits from Diwali, with many people traveling to visit their families and friends. Hotels and restaurants see an increase in bookings, while airlines and trains often run extra services to accommodate the surge in travelers.

In recent years, the rise of e-commerce has transformed the way people shop for Diwali, with many consumers opting to buy online instead of going to physical stores. This has led to the growth of online shopping platforms, which offer discounts and deals during the Diwali season.

Overall, Diwali is a major contributor to the economy, with businesses and industries benefiting from the increased consumer spending and travel during the festival.