Diwali (say “de-VAH-lee”) is a holiday celebrated around the world that got its start in
India
. It's a harvest festival, but it's also an important religious celebration for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. Even people who don't belong to those three religions celebrate Diwali in India and other places in south Asia.
Where does the Diwali festival take place?
The Diwali Festival — also known as the “Festival of Lights” — is an important Hindu holiday celebrated throughout
India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia
, and other places with large Indian or Hindu populations.
When and where does Diwali happen?
The festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during
the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika (between mid-October and mid-November)
. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”.
Which countries celebrate Diwali?
- United Kingdom. Many events are held here to celebrate the occasion known as the Festival of Lights. …
- Thailand. …
- Indonesia. …
- Mauritius. …
- Malaysia. …
- Fiji. …
- Sri Lanka. …
- Nepal.
Who celebrates Diwali and where?
Diwali is the five-day Festival of Lights, celebrated by
millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains
across the world. Diwali, which for some also coincides with harvest and new year celebrations, is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness.
What do you say during Diwali?
A simple
‘happy Diwali
‘ will do the trick, but there are other Diwali wishes you can say to anyone celebrating the festival. A traditional Diwali greeting is to say ‘wishing you a Diwali that brings happiness prosperity and joy to you and all your family.
What happens each day of Diwali?
Traditionally, each day of Diwali has a different focus.
The first day is usually a shopping day
, especially for gold or silver. The second day is used to decorate the home. The third day is the main day of the festival with fireworks at night and a feast with family and friends.
Can non Hindu celebrate Diwali?
Over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival that's also enjoyed by
non-Hindu communities
. … Buddhists in India celebrate Diwali as well.
What is the most popular myth about Diwali?
The most popular legend is that from the Hindu epic,
Ramayana
. According to it, Diwali marks the day Rama, Sita and Lakshmana return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile.
Do Sikh celebrate Diwali?
As many people across the world celebrate Diwali,
Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chor Divas
, day of liberation. This day is a celebration to remember the history of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. For Sikhs, the return of their Guru is as significant as the return of Lord Raam is for Hindus.
Is Diwali a holiday in USA?
Diwali is not a nationwide public holiday in the United States
but it is a large festival celebrated in many towns and cities. There may be traffic congestion and parking places may be full in areas where events are held to celebrate Diwali. Some Indian businesses may close early on Diwali.
In which country Diwali is not celebrated?
Yes, there is one such state. God's Own Country,
Kerala
does not celebrate Diwali.
Is Diwali a national holiday?
Diwali, or Deepavali, is
an official public holiday in many parts of India
and is part of a five-day Hindu observance known as the ‘Festival of Lights'. The Festival of Lights is a colourful and happy celebration. …
Is Diwali a religious holiday?
Diwali, also spelled Divali,
one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism
, lasting for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika.
Is Diwali a Hindu New Year?
Diwali is a festival that
celebrates the beginning of the Hindu New Year
. Also called the Festival of Lights or Deepavali, it takes place on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika. … The festival lasts five days and is most commonly celebrated in India and other locations with Hindu communities.
What is the origin of Diwali?
In northern India, Diwali
commemorates Prince Rama's triumphant return to the city of Ayodhya
after 14 years of exile due to the plotting of his evil stepmother—and after a heroic rescue of his wife Sita, an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi, who had been kidnapped by the rival king Ravana.
