Diwali
By Bhavya Vats
What is Diwali?
• Diwali is a special festival celebrated by
people who follow Hinduism, Jainism, and
Sikhism. It is also known as the "Hindu
festival of lights" because people light up
their homes with lamps and candles. They
do this to celebrate the victory of light over
darkness. During Diwali, people decorate
their homes with colourful decorations,
exchange gifts with their loved ones, and
enjoy yummy food.
How to celebrate
Diwali?
They visit friends and family, wear new
clothes, and feed the poor. It is said that
Shiva and Parvati played games of dice on
Mount Kailasa, and Radha and Krishna also
engaged in similar contests. In honour of
Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, the female
player is always declared the winner.
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
• Diwali is a special festival that is celebrated in India and is very
important to many people. It has a story that comes from a big book
called the Ramayana. The story goes like this:
• A long time ago, there was a prince named Rama who was believed to
be a god named Vishnu. He had a wife named Sita who was believed to
be a goddess named Lakshmi. They had to go live in the forest for 14
years because of some bad people. While they were there, an evil king
named Ravana kidnapped Sita.
• Rama was very upset and wanted to save his wife, so he fought with
Ravana and finally defeated him. After that, Rama and Sita returned to
their kingdom. That's why Diwali is celebrated as the day when good
defeated evil, and Rama and Sita returned home after a long time away.
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA.
5 Days of Diwali:
• First Day:
• The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras. People clean their homes and
buy small pieces of gold on this day. They do this to get ready for the big
celebration. On this day, they pray to Lakshmi, who is the goddess of
money and good luck.
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Second Day:
• The second day of Diwali is called Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali.
On this day, we remember when Lord Krishna defeated a demon named
Narakasura. We also offer prayers for our ancestors who have passed
away.
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY.
Third Day:
• On Diwali's third day, families pray to Goddess Lakshmi, light candles,
decorate their homes with rangolis and diyas, exchange gifts and sweets
and visit temples to offer prayers. This is known as Lakshmi Pooja.
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA.
Fourth Day:
• On the fourth day of the festival, people celebrate a story about a god
named Krishna who won a battle against another god named Indra. This
day is also the start of a new year in the Hindu calendar. This day is
called Goverdhan Pooja. People who own businesses do special things to
start the new year off right.
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND.
Fifth Day:
• The fifth day of the Diwali festival, known as Bhai Dooj, celebrates the bond
between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters pray for the success and
well-being of their brothers.
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC.
Facts about Diwali:
- In certain regions of India, Diwali celebrates the first day of the
Hindu calendar year.
- Diwali falls between October and November.
- The word Diwali, also known as Deepavali, means "row of lights"
in Sanskrit.
- Rangoli is a popular Diwali tradition that involves making
beautiful patterns using vibrant colors and flowers.
- During Diwali, Hindus gather at mandirs to worship, offer
offerings, watch fireworks, and enjoy food.
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA.
Sources:
• Diwali | Definition & Facts | Britannica
• 10 fabulous facts about Diwali! - National Geographic Kids (natgeokids.com)
• https://cdn.creatureandcoagency.com/uploads/2018/08/facts-about-diwali-image-1.jpg
• https://cdn.creatureandcoagency.com/uploads/2018/08/facts-about-diwali-image-2.jpg
• https://cdn.creatureandcoagency.com/uploads/2018/08/facts-about-diwali-image-4.jpg
• https://cdn.creatureandcoagency.com/uploads/2018/08/facts-about-diwali-image-3.jpg
• Diwali, the Festival of Lights, explained | CNN
• https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/41/Flag_of_India.svg
