Deepavali, the festival of lights, is one of the oldest festival celebrated in India. It comes 18 days after Dusserah (another oldest festival) and immediately after the harvests. It falls towards the end of October and beginning of November.
The references to this festival can be seen even in the oldest Sanskrit texts like Padma Purana, Skanda Purana and in the grave writings of 11th century Arab traveller Al Burni, 15th Century Italian traveller Nicolo Conti, 16th century Portuguese traveller Domigo Paes, 18th century British scholar like Sir William Jones etc...
The five day festival starts with Dhanatreya, then the Narak Chathurthi on the second day, the magnificent Diwali in the third day, Govardhan Puja or Diwali Paduva on the fourth and the Bhai Dhuj on the fifth day.
Everyday has its own cultural and and ritual significance. Diwali falling on the third day of celebrations is on the new moon or Amavasi which is the darkest night of Autumn. All the houses, buildings, every village and towns are lit with oil lamps traditionally, now also with electric lamps. Different varieties of special Diwali sweets, new clothes, new jewellery etc. are the speciality of these days.
Different regions of India has different stories associated with Diwali depending on the type of Lunisolar calendar they are using. The most popular of the stories associated with Diwali is the return of Prince Rama from an unfair exile into the forests for 14 years along with his wife and brother. Upon his return the people of his kingdom welcomed him by lighting oil lamps all over the kingdom.
Wish you all a very happy Diwali
The references to this festival can be seen even in the oldest Sanskrit texts like Padma Purana, Skanda Purana and in the grave writings of 11th century Arab traveller Al Burni, 15th Century Italian traveller Nicolo Conti, 16th century Portuguese traveller Domigo Paes, 18th century British scholar like Sir William Jones etc...
The five day festival starts with Dhanatreya, then the Narak Chathurthi on the second day, the magnificent Diwali in the third day, Govardhan Puja or Diwali Paduva on the fourth and the Bhai Dhuj on the fifth day.
Everyday has its own cultural and and ritual significance. Diwali falling on the third day of celebrations is on the new moon or Amavasi which is the darkest night of Autumn. All the houses, buildings, every village and towns are lit with oil lamps traditionally, now also with electric lamps. Different varieties of special Diwali sweets, new clothes, new jewellery etc. are the speciality of these days.
Different regions of India has different stories associated with Diwali depending on the type of Lunisolar calendar they are using. The most popular of the stories associated with Diwali is the return of Prince Rama from an unfair exile into the forests for 14 years along with his wife and brother. Upon his return the people of his kingdom welcomed him by lighting oil lamps all over the kingdom.
Wish you all a very happy Diwali
