Diwali in India

Diwali also called Deepavali is the major Hindu festival. Known as the Festival of Lights, it symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional Diyas. Fireworks are associated with the festival in some regions of the country. It usually occurs in October/ November.

Whatever may be the allegories and legends behind the celebrations of Diwali, all people exchange sweets, wear new clothes and buy jewelry at this festive time. Card parties are held in many homes. Diwali has become commercialized as the biggest annual consumer extravaganza because every family shops for sweets, gifts and fireworks. However, in all this fury of shopping and eating, the steady, burning lamp is a constant symbol of an illuminated mind.

This festival of lights perfectly captures India’s unity in diversity as people from different cultures, who speak different languages and live in different ends of the country comes together to celebrate this victory of good over evil. Diwali festivities differ considerably in different parts of India primarily because every faith and culture adds its own symbolism and practices to the festival.

Diwali is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals of India. Hindus, Jains and Sikhs alike regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships. For Jains it is one of the most important festivals, and beginning of the Jain year. It is also a significant festival for the Sikh faith. Let’s take a look at how Diwali is celebrated in different states of India will be followed by next articles.