Diwali 2023: History, significance, and unknown facts.

Deepawali (Diwali), also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is an auspicious Hindu festival spreading over five days that symbolises the ‘victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.’ The celebration starts with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj, getting recognised as one of the most renowned Hindu festivals in the world!

In congruence with the Hindu lunisolar calendar, Diwali is celebrated between mid-October and mid-November (on the 15th day of Kartik month) each year. The night when the grand festivity takes place is also the darkest night of the year. The story behind this ostentatious festival is rooted deep in Hindu mythology and has inspired and morphed the Indian civilisation since time immemorial.

Today, on November 12th, India is all set to celebrate the grand festivity with whole-hearted vigour. In this edition of the Diwali celebration, we have already achieved another milestone as the sacred city of Ayodhya established a new Guinness World Record by illuminating more than 22.23 lakh ‘Diyas’ (earthen lamps) during the ‘Deepotsav 2023’ festival!

The History behind Diwali:

As per Rishi Valmiki’s epic Ramayana, Diwali marks Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom of Ayodhya with Maa Sita (wife) and Lord Lakshman (younger brother) after spending 14 years in exile and defeating the tyrant King of Lanka, Ravana. 

The people of Ayodhya, elated by the return of their benevolent king, celebrated the night by lighting their streets and homes with rows of lamps and Diyas. This tradition has aged perfectly with time, and we celebrate the event today through colourful pyrotechnics, earning it the nickname: Festival of Lights.

Hence, recognising this age-old adage, the Hindus celebrate this day by illuminating their homes with Diyas and decorative lanterns.

Celebration of Diwali:

This celebration is indisputably the manifestation of India’s cultural heritage. Though the Diwali celebration and its elements change as per the customs of each state, the spirit of festivity remains the same. To celebrate, families come together and engage in a five-day euphoria! Even Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) propound the versatility of our oriental civilisation on the global canvas. 

Priests worship Gods and Goddesses like Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi and Kali, which sets them in a trance upholding their spirituality. Diwali generally brings an aura of luck and prosperity with it. For many, the auspicious day marks a new beginning – as they start new ventures, businesses and their financial year on this day.

Diwali fosters a sense of cultural fraternity as people come together and decorate their homes with Diyas, candles and colourful lights, eat delicious sweets, exchange gifts, follow rituals passed down by generations, and perform Lakshmi Puja. Many affluent Indians chose Diwali to give back to society by performing charity.

Interesting facts about Diwali:

Here are some facts about Diwali which you may not know:

• For many, Diwali venerates the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. The lights and lamps at display are said to help Lakshmi find her way into our homes, bringing prosperity to our future!

• The festival is known by different names in different countries. In Nepal, it is marked as Tihar or Swanti. In Malaysia, it is called Hari Diwali. In Thailand, people observe Diwali as Lam Kriyongh and light lamps on banana leaves.

• While Bengal worships the goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil forces, during Diwali, Nepalis celebrate it as Lord Krishna’s victory over the wicked king Narakaasura.

• Rangoli is a popular Diwali tradition where beautiful patterns are drawn using colourful powders and flowers. People draw these rangolis on the floor by the entrance of their homes to welcome the gods and bring good luck!

• Leicester, a city in the United Kingdom, holds the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India. Each year, tens of thousands of people gather in its streets to enjoy vibrant fireworks.

• Another adage behind Diwali suggests Lord Vardhamana Mahavira (the last of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras) attained ‘Nirvana’ (Salvation) on this day.

• The foundation of the Golden Temple in Amritsar is said to be placed on the day of Diwali.

We here at Team Digpu wish you and your family a very happy and prosperous Diwali!