Diwali  or Deepavali, popularly known as the "festival of lights", is an important five-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. For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha or nirvana by Mahavira in 527 BC. For Sikhs, Diwali is important because it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, who also rescued 52 Hindu kings held captive by Mughal Emperor with him in the Gwalior Fort in 1619.

The name "Diwali" is a contraction of "Deepavali" , which translates into "row of lamps". Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps 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. Most Indian business communities begin the financial year on the first day of Diwali.

Spiritual significance:

In each legend, tradition and story of Deepavali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Deepavali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness into light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope. Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside India, it is more than a Hindu festival, it is a celebration of South-Asian identities. Deepavali celebrations are spread over five days .

There are numerous customs and traditions associated with Diwali, namely, burning of crackers, playing cards, lightning of lamps, wearing new clothes, distribution of sweets, exchange of gifts etc.

The magnificent five days long jubilation of Diwali celebrations is marked by multi-colored Rangoli designs, special pooja ceremonies, lines of lamps, floral decorations, fireworks, exchange of Diwali Sweets and Diwali Gifts that lend grandeur to the Occasions. Every home - lowly or mighty - the hut of the poor or the mansion of the rich - shines with the glow of twinkling diyas or candles to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Diwali falls on the one new moon night between mid-October and mid-November. Deepavali is celebrated for five days according to the lunisolar Hindu Calendar. It begins in late Ashvin (between September and October) and ends in early Kartika (between October and November). The first day is Dhan Teras. The last day is Yama Dvitiya, which signifies the second day of the light half of Kartika. Each day of Deepavali marks one celebration of the six principal stories associated with the festival .

Diwali is celebrated in various parts of the world, particularly those with large populations of Indian and Hindu origin. These include countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Guyana, Surinam, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. With more and more Indians now migrating to various parts of the world, the number of countries where Deepavali is celebrated has been gradually increasing. While in some countries it is celebrated mainly by Indian expatriates, in others it has become part of the general local culture.

Diwali (Deepavali) A diya (oil lamp) placed on a rangoli during Deepavali

Also called: Translation: Row of Lights; Deepavali, Festival of Lights

Observed by: Hindus, Sikhs Jains

Type: Religious, India, Sri Lanka,Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji

Significance: Celebration of the victory of good over evil; the uplifting of spiritual darkness

Date: Decided by the luni- solar Hindu calendar

Celebrations: Decorating homes with lights ,Fireworks, distributing sweets and gifts

Observances: Prayers, Religious rituals

Lighting the pencil cracker

Decorating the entrance of a house

Lighting the lamps

Offering prayers

Dancing in front of crackers Musical

celebrations

Source: INTERNET

Made By- Sreenidhi.M