The Indian festival of lights called Diwali is one of the most wildly celebrated special religious occasions worldwide. It is celebrated across the country of India. It has many stories associated with it as well as various traditions and even other religions that celebrate it. Below are some interesting, detailed facts about Diwali that you may not have known before.
A Festival for Many Religions
Even though Diwali is considered a predominantly Hindu celebration, it is actually an occasion celebrated by many other religions, including a variety of folk religions as well as Jainism and Sikhism.
A Varied History
Not only do all religions that celebrate Diwali have different traditions in which they celebrate the holiday, but they also have different stories about the origins of Diwali and what it all means.
In Hindu mythology, Diwali is considered to be held on the day Lord Rama, his wife Sita Devi, and brother Lakshmana return to their homeland after they had been in exile for fourteen years. It is believed that the villagers lit a path for Rama and his family members when they returned after defeating the demon king Ravana.
Also, within Hindu mythology, another story is that Diwali marks the day the demon Narakasura was defeated by Lord Krishna so he could free the people of his kingdom. The lighting of pathways is still practised today during the celebration of Diwali. It is believed that after he killed the demon, Lord Krishna declared that day a day of festivities to celebrate. In various parts of India, people even burn the demon kings' effigies while celebrating Diwali.
During Diwali, some people also celebrate the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi, who is considered to be the goddess of prosperity, wealth, and fertility. This very romantic story about the Diwali celebration describes Lakshmi choosing Lord Vishnu to become her husband. The latter was one of Hinduism’s most essential deities on the evening of Diwali. It is believed that Diwali boasts very bright and beautiful decorations as well as new clothing and very flamboyant displays of lights and various colours because people believe that Diwali is the day that Lakshmi roams the earth once again while blessing people with wealth and happiness since she is a goddess of prosperity.
Dhanteras is India’s Golden Day
In many people's estimation, it is believed that 11 percent of the total gold in the world is held by Indian people. Then a large percentage of it is bought yearly as a custom during the festival of Dhanteras, typically had two days before Diwali. In addition to buying gold on Dhanteras, the Indian people also clean and decorate their houses with colourful powder designs created in the home's courtyard area and fairy lights to signify this holiday.
Fun for All
Diwali signifies piety and purity, yet it is also the one day many people consider to be a day of fun for Indian people. This means that many people get together to gamble and play cards with money on the evening of Diwali. This includes kids, adults, and the elderly.
Diwali is Celebrated Globally
Diwali is not only celebrated in India but also in countries such as Pakistan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Australia, Thailand, Mauritius, and even Canada.
Diwali Brings People Together
Diwali is a holiday on which many people come together to celebrate. Still, for over seven decades, Pakistan and India have fought three wars against each other, so the border between the two countries is always full of tension. Diwali is one of the few occasions in which the soldiers from each country put aside their differences to meet and greet each other and even offer suites across the border to celebrate.
A One-Day or Five-Day Celebration
The people who reside in the southern area of India usually celebrate Diwali as just a one-day festival. Still, throughout the rest of the country, especially in the northern area and the northwest India region, Diwali is celebrated for five days. Each area of India boasts its celebration of Diwali as having its own significance, and each is dedicated to a different deity.
The Nirvana of Mahavira
Some people embrace the widespread belief that Diwali is an occasion of Jainism. This is India’s sixth largest religion, and it is believed that Diwali is the day on which the last of the 24 Tirthankaras (Great Teachers) and Lord Mahavira was able to reach Nirvana.
Fireworks Light Up the Sky
When it comes to the many traditions of Diwali, the most popular one by far is the practice of setting off fireworks and firecrackers while celebrating Diwali. This part of the festivities began in the early 1900s when firecrackers and pyrotechnics became less expensive. We're used not only by the country's Royals but also by many of the people.
