History of Diwali: Learn the history Recipes: Diwali Recipes A Diwali Childrens Story: Dashera and Diwali Diwali Resources: Excellent Collection of Resources History of Diwali: Learn more about the History Sharada' Diwali: A Short Story Mini Unit: Diwali-Hindu New Year Ancient and Modern India: Lesson Plans and Units Diwali in India: Information about Diwali Diwali: Main Information Discover India: Diwali Popular Hindu Festivals: Diwali and Dassera, Diwali: More Infomation Ancient India: Internet Resource Page A Festival of Light Home Page: Return to Our Home Page Christmas Around the World: A Festival of Light Christmas: A Festival of Light Hanukkah: A Festival of Light Kwanzaa: A Festive Celebration |
Diwali is a spectacular religious festival. It is held in late autumn, and on the evenings during
this time, the windows of houses are illuminated by lamps and candles. From a distance and in
the darkness, these hundreds of glowing lights are a wonderful sight.The word Diwali is a
shortened version of Deepavali, which means "cluster of lights".The festival of lights is a
universal Hindu festival.
In India Diwali is seen as a renewal of life. On this day old lamps are thrown out and a new
lamp are bought. New lamps are thought to help the souls of the dead find their way to
heaven.
The festival also commemorates the coronation of Prince Rama. When Rama arrives at the
end of 14 years of banishment, Hindus rejoice because Rama has conquered Ravana. He has
conquered evil and good has triumphed. People show their happiness and joy by lighting lampsin praise of Rama.
Hindus believe that the souls of ancestors come to visit their homes on the new moon
day of Diwali. Lamps are lit to guide the departed souls on their way.
It is interesting to note that Diwali almost coincides with Halloween, which takes place
on 31 October, and that Halloween in Europe is also traditionally associated with spirits
and the dead. Diwali is also associated with the Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. It is
the day when Lakshmi is supposed to have emerged from the milky ocean to bring
prosperity to the world.
Shopkeepers usually close their accounts at this time. They place their ledgers in front
of a picture of Lakshmi and pray for better profits in the coming year. Lakshmi is
believed to visit homes that are well lit, so families decorate their homes with flowers
and paper chains. The streets are hung with garlands of flowers and are full of lights.
People wear their best clothes or buy new ones, children are given presents and new year
greetings are exchanged through visits or Diwali cards. Everywhere is clean and shiny
for Hindus believe in the cleanliness of body, mind and home. A Rangoli design is
created on doorsteps to welcome everybody. Rangoli means a pattern in colour.
Traditionally rice flour was used as an offering to the insects, birds and small creatures.
Today powder paints, chalk, sand, cereals, seeds or flowers are used to create a rangoli
pattern. Delicious food and sweets are prepared. Traditionally Hindus would visit the
temple before eating, making merry and visiting friends and relatives. Sometimes
friends are met at the temple where there is music, singing and dancing as well as lots of food.
WE SAID "NO NUKES!"