Diwali is the five-day festival of
lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world.
Diwali, which for some also coincides with harvest and new year celebrations,
is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light
over darkness. Diwali is called the Festival of Lights and is celebrated to
honor Ram-chandra, the seventh incarnation of the lord Vishnu. It is believed
that on this day Rama returned to his people after 14 years of exile during
which he fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Ravana.
People lit their houses to celebrate his victory over evil. The goddess of
happiness and good fortune, Lakshmi, also figures into the celebration. It is
believed that she roams the Earth on this day and enters the house that is
pure, clean, and bright.
Diwali is a gazetted holiday in India
so government offices and many businesses local offices and shops are closed.
It is not a nationwide public holiday in other countries such as Australia,
Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States but some cities hold large
celebrations for the Diwali festival. Lamps, fireworks and bonfires illuminate
this holiday, as the word “Deepawali” means “a row or cluster of lights” or
“rows of diyas (clay lamps)”. The festival symbolizes the victory of
righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. During Diwali, or
Deepawali, the goddess Lakshmi, who symbolizes wealth, happiness and
prosperity, is also worshipped during this five day festival. Diwali is also known as Deepavali,
Dipavali, Dewali, Deepawali, or the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated in
October or November each year.
Happy Diwali Images with Wishes 2020:
