Introduction
Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in India. Traditionally it is a festival for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. But India is such a diverse country that people of all religions be it Buddhists, Christians, Muslims etc. All celebrate this festival together by gifting sweets, lighting and decorating houses, shopping for new clothes and accessories and firecrackers all around.
If that add curiosity in you here are some some interesting facts about Diwali
List of all the Facts of Diwali
#1 Diwali occurs on a moonless night (Amavasya)
The night of Diwali is always a moonless night, which is also called Amavasya. This is because It is believed that Ram and Sita (From Hindu Mythology Ramayan) returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile on Amavasya night. So to welcome back, people light up their surroundings with clay lamps and vanish out of the darkness in the environment.
#2 Victory of Good over Evil and Light over darkness
We always picture darkness as a symbol of shady, evil and toxicity while the light is a side of happiness and goodness. Thus if a room of full darkness gets a small candle of light, the entire room is visible. Although the night is a moonless night if we light our surroundings the power of evil is destroyed.
#3 There are various beliefs to celebrate Diwali in various parts of India
- Returned of Rama – In Northern parts of India, Diwali is celebrated as they believed the Hindu gods (Ram and Sita) returned back after defeating Ravana.
- Returned of Pandava – 5 Pandava brothers (From Hindu Mythology Mahabharata) returned back to their native place Hastinapur after 12 years.
- Krishna killed the demon Narakasura – Diwali was the day on which Lord Krishna (Hindu God) killed the demon named Narakasura. Thus in various parts of the country, Diwali is also called Narak Chaturdashi.
- Born of Lakshmi Goddess – Diwali also accounts for celebrating the birth of Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity). Thus Lakshmi puja is a part of Diwali.
- Kali Puja – Diwali also accounts for a celebartion of Kali Goddess in Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and several others regions.
- Bandi Chhor Diwas – In Sikhism, this day also accounts for Sikh sixth guru i.e, Guru Hargobind’s release from Mughal’s controls
- Harvest Season’s End – Diwali is also considered a Harvesting festival. Diwali is the end of harvest before winter arrives.
#4 Diya (Clay Lamp) is an essential part of the festival. Electric lighting is a modern adaptation
Diya (Clay pot with an open top) is an essential part of the festival. In olden times diya was the only way to light the houses as there was no concept of electricity. Thus the tradition is still followed along with electric lighting which makes the decoration even more eye-capturing.
#5 Diwali also signifies as New Year in several parts of India
Diwali signifies as New Year in several parts of India, especially in the state of Gujarat. The day after Diwali is considered a new year in Gujarat. And they wish each other a new year.
Just to avoid confusion Gregorian calendar(Jan – Dec) is only practised in the entire India when we talk about everyday business.
#6 Rangoli Decoration is a tradition that is highly followed during Diwali
If we talk about Diwali and we don’t talk about Rangoli that not gonna happen. In your search for a picture of Diwali, the most picture you will get is of rangoli that’s how relatable they are. Rangoli is a decoration that people do with colours such as outside the houses, in society or at any important premises.
#7 Leicester City in the UK has the largest celebration outside India.
Diwali is not only celebrated within the boundaries of India but outside of India as well. One of the main reasons as you can say that Indian peoples are everywhere. And among them, Leicester city which consists of a lot of Indians has huge Diwali blasts.
#8 Diwali is a national Holiday in 11 Countries including India
Excluding India, festival is a national holiday in the country of Pakistan, Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, Srilanka, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Nepal, Myanmar
#9 Diwali in India is like Christmas in the West
There is a huge similarity between Diwali and Christmas in modern days. When we talk about Christmas and Diwali we talk about long holidays, family and friends meeting up, sharing gifts and sweets, lighting, decoration, shopping, winter etc.
