Diwali

Diwali (also called Divali or Deepavali) [29/10-4/11] is a ‘festival of lights’ that celebrates the triumph of light over dark, good over evil and the blessings of victory, freedom and enlightenment. The name comes from Sanksrit dipavali, meaning ‘row of lights’. On the night of Diwali, celebrants light dozens of candles and clay lamps (called diyas), placing them throughout their homes and in the streets to light up the night.

Diwali consists of a five-day celebration celebrating the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi, that peaks on the third day with the main celebration of Diwali.

The five days of Diwali are:

• Dhanteras
• Chhoti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi)
• Diwali (Laxmi Puja)
• Goverdhan Puja
• Bhai Dooj
  Followers of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths primarily celebrate Diwali. However, the holiday is celebrated throughout India, Singapore and several other South Asian countries as a national holiday.

  

Families create intricate rangoli on the floor of the house — designs made of coloured rice, sand, or flowers.

The main celebration of Diwali takes place on the day of the new Moon when the sky is at its darkest, so a big part of the celebration revolves around light. Candles, clay lamps, and diyas (decorative oil lamps) are lit and placed throughout the home, in the streets, in areas of worship and floated on lakes and rivers. Fireworks are also set off on the night of Diwali — said by some to ward off evil spirits.

Another central theme of Diwali is family. Wearing their best new clothes, families gather together to eat sweets and other special foods, light diyas and pray for their ancestors.