Diwali, The Festival of Lights, Celebrated Across India, A Sign Of Renewal

Wed October 26, 2011

Diwali, the Festival of lights, was celebrated across India today, with full zeal and enthusiasm.

Diwali, also called Deepavali, is celebrated between mid-October and mid-November. Hindus see Diwali as one of their most important festivals. Families celebrate the time by performing traditional activities together in their homes. Jains recognize Diwali as the time that Mahavira attained moksha, nirvana or enlightenment, more than 2500 years ago, in 527 BC.

In Sanskrit, Deepavali means a row of lamps and refers to small diyas or dipas, which are small clay lamps containing oil. Lighting the diyas signifies the triumph of good over evil.

Participants light firecrackers to scare away evil spirits and they clean their houses, to welcome the goddess Lakshmi. People also wear new clothes as a sign of renewal, and they share sweets and snacks with family members and friends.

Diwali is recognized as an official holiday in many countries outside India, including Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago.