Thread: Why is Diwali celebrated?

Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is one of the biggest festival of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. The festival is celebrated for five continuous days, where the third days is celebrated as the main Diwali festival or 'Festival of lights'. Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with this festival. On this auspicious day, people light up diyas and candles all around their house. They perform Laxmi Puja in the evening and seek divine blessings of Goddess of Wealth. The festival od Diwali is never complete without exchange of gifts. People present diwali gifts to all near and dear ones.
Diwali (also spelled Devali in certain regions) or Deepavali, popularly known as the 'festival of lights', is an important one-day festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, celebrated for different reasons, occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes.

Deepavali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji.

The name 'Diwali' is a contraction of 'Deepavali' which translates into 'row of lamps' Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps diyas filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends.

Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, from his 14-year-long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas and by bursting firecrackers.

The festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year. The second day of the festival, Naraka Chaturdasi, marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the third day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the Bali, and banished him to Patala. It is on the fourth day of Deepawali, Kartika Shudda Padyami, that Bali went to patala and took the reins of his new kingdom in there. The fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj), and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.
Besides Hindus, Sikhs and Jains also celebrate Diwali. Order gifts for Diwali flowersfloristsgifts dot com globalflowerdelivery dot com

I am waiting for this Diwali. Diwali is my favorite festival when our family members do worship together and enjoy.

Nice sharing on the celebration of Diwali, have some nice information, but i am confused on the placing of this post.

I have a bit curiosity as I got a neighbor who follow Hinduism. I found the reading interesting. However, you describe the background of "Diwali" and also described hoe it is been celebrated nicely and you have mentioned it is very important; but you have never mentioned why it is important? - I mean why should you celebrate it according to your religious book and is there any guideline how it should be celebrated? IO also want to know if you celebrate it what id the benefit in your present life and after life?

Originally Posted by EliseBlanchett

I have a bit curiosity as I got a neighbor who follow Hinduism. I found the reading interesting. However, you describe the background of "Diwali" and also described hoe it is been celebrated nicely and you have mentioned it is very important; but you have never mentioned why it is important? - I mean why should you celebrate it according to your religious book and is there any guideline how it should be celebrated? IO also want to know if you celebrate it what id the benefit in your present life and after life?

Hi Elise,

Here is the reason of celebrating Diwali

Natural Importance :
During this time (Oct-Nov), monsoon season has ended. All the people collectively clean their home and city.During this time Rice Crops start
arising and farmer feel very happy and they worship crop of rice at this time.

Social Importance :

Since people clean their house and city, most of the people get employment especially shopkeepers and labours.People buy gifts to send it to their loved ones, lot of poor people get jobs in India due to this festival.Because people gets job, shopkeeper get new customers, people in IT/government jobs get gifts or increment,they perform worship of Lord Ganesha (Lord of Good Luck) and Goddess Lakshmi(Goddess of Wealth)

Religious Importance

It is said that Lord Rama (incarnation of Lord Vishnu) returned to Ayodhya along with his wife Sita and Lakshmana. On his arrival, people welcomed him by
lighting their houses in night. Since then, Diwali is also known as festival of Light.

Spiritual Value

Spiritual value of Diwali is not only we light our house,but also of our heart by thinking good about everyone(about our friends,relatives loved ones, neighbors and Office person).That's the spiritual meaning of Diwali

Originally Posted by smashits

Here is the reason of celebrating Diwali

I liked the way you have explained about Diwali which is equally important to Hindu,Sikhs and Jains.

Good one there Raman.