Diwali Festival of Lights

I have recently became aware of this wonderful Hindu holiday – Diwali – which is one of the biggest festival of Hindus, celebrated all around the world. It is a festival of happiness and enthusiasm which I think I love most because of its significance.

I have always seen India as colorful, exotic and relaxed – it may be because of ayurveda and meditation. So this 5 day holiday of lights, enthusiasm and happiness in India just adds to my fascination. Many might not know about this festival of lights, so I decided – after a long absence – to write some of the most important things about Diwali which I hope you find interesting.

Diwali Traditions

“Diwali” illuminates the darkness of the New Year’s moon, and Hindus say it is the time to strengthen close friendships and knowledge, with a self-realization!

Colorful fireworks are always a pleasure to watch, so during the 5 days of Diwali there will be a lot of those.

The festival starts with Dhanteras – first day and marks the beginning of the new financial year. The second day of the festival is called the Naraka Chaturdasi.

The third day of Diwali is the most important and this will be on November 3rd, in 2013 – that is when people light up the “diyas” (small oil candles – see photo) and candles all around their house to help the goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) reach them and bless their home. The ceremonial is then completed by the exchange of gifts – usually diwali gifts to all loved ones, because it is through the light that the beauty of this world is revealed or experienced.

To Hindus, lighting a lamp symbolizes the destruction, through knowledge, of all negative forces.

The soft light of the “diyas” creates a world of fantasy, and I can even imagine the diffuse sound of the firecrackers and fireworks in the background, combined with the wonderful mango leaves aromas that some of the Hindus use even in present day to decorate their homes for this holiday.

The fourth day of Diwali is Kartika Shudda Padyami and on the fifth day- Yama Dvitiya – sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

This wonderful 5 day Hindu holiday is usually referred to as Diwali, and is considered to be one of the most glamorous and important holidays in India.

However, Diwali is enjoyed by people of any religion, touching everyone with its magical and radiant feel in an atmosphere of joy and festivity.

Therefore, wherever you are …

May the auspicious festival of lights illuminate your life in the year ahead with Happiness and Prosperity!

Happy Diwali!

Alexandra Brad