Thousands of people around the world celebrate the festival of lights every year. It’s that time of year when we dress up in our finest and decorate our homes with diyas and lamps. But did you know we celebrate Diwali for more than one reason? Here are some fascinating facts you may not have known before.
Festival of lights is usually celebrated by getting together with family and friends and exchanging gifts. Many people light oil lamps or candles as a symbol of light triumphing over darkness.
As part of the celebrations, they also set off fireworks. The Festival of Lights is the best day to get together and celebrate love and happiness.
Here are some reasons that the festival of lights is celebrated and famous among many people till now.
- In the heroic Mahabharata, the five Pandava brothers were duped into losing a gambling bet, and the Kauravas exiled them for 12 years. Diwali is the night of Kartik Amavasya, when the Pandavas return to Hastinapur.
- Festival of lights is associated with the event of Guru Hargobind’s release by Mughal emperor Jehangir in Sikhism.
- In Jainism, the Diwali festival commemorates the anniversary of Mahavira’s soul finally attaining Nirvana.
- In some western Indian states, such as Gujarat, the Diwali festival marks the beginning of a new year. Not only in India, but people celebrate a festival of lights in different countries to show unity and love.
- According to the Ramayana, after 14 years in exile and defeating the demon king Raavana, Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Laxmana returned to Ayodhya. His return to his home is marked by Diwali, which is called the festival of lights.
- According to popular belief, Diwali commemorates the birth of Goddess Lakshmi from Samudra Manthan, the agitation of the cosmic ocean of milk by the gods and demons. On the night of Diwali, Lakshmi chose Vishnu as her husband, and the two were united in a holy ceremony.
Did you know what people do at the festival of lights? Well, it is a festival of lights so, with a lot of lights all over the city and in every house.
- Diwali is typically celebrated over five days, with each day having a unique significance.
- Many people will worship on the first day by cleaning their homes and making sweet Indian treats, or by making rangolis (colored patterns on the floor using flowers, powder, rice, or sand).
- The second day, known as Small Diwali, is celebrated by decorating one’s home and displaying clay lamps.
- On the third day (Diwali), people will dress up in new clothes and go to the temple to worship. They will also light diyas around the house, keep their lights on, and celebrate with food and sweets with their family and friends.
- Day four is the first day of the New Year in many parts of the world, and people celebrate by exchanging gifts and best wishes.
Cultural diversity is important, especially in international cities and we should celebrate all culture’s traditions. This festival of lights has a mission to promote diversity and inclusivity. We hope to spread the message not only to those who are watching but also to the rest of the community.