Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and certain Buddhists worldwide. It is also referred to as the “festival of light” by some. It is one of the most commonly observed Hindu holidays and is distinguished by the use of magnificent lighting, candles, and oil lamps as well as ornamental apparel when family gather for meals.
As the festival represents the triumph of light over darkness, many stores, streets, and residences will be brightly illuminated during this time. This is thought to be a metaphor for the light of knowledge.
WHO DIWALI IS?
In London’s Trafalgar Square, dancers perform during the Diwali on the Square festival. Diwali is a Hindu holiday that honors the return of Sita and Rama to Ayodhya (a significant pilgrimage site in India) after a 14-year exile. It also remembers the day that the goddess Durga slew the monster Mahisha.
The Goddess Lakshmi, who represents luck as well as the attributes of prosperity, riches, and fertility, is also strongly connected to it. According to legend, the term Diwali (or Deepavali) derives from a Sanskrit term that means “rows of lit lamps.”
Diwali, which always falls on a new moon between October and November, after the harvest, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness or, more precisely, the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. The event takes place around October since that is when the monsoon season in the Indian subcontinent usually ends, signifying the beginning of a new year and the approach of winter.
IS DIWALI TODAY?
During the Diwali on the Square event in Trafalgar Square, London, Mayor Sadiq Khan decorates a statue of the Hindu god Ganesh with a garland. Diwali occurs on the fifteenth day of the Hindu month of Kartik, whose dates are decided by the position of the moon. This indicates that while the exact date fluctuates, it will occur this year between October 22 to October 26.
Each day of the festival has its own festive day, though they may change depending on the geography and practices of the various communities:
22 October is Dhanteras (Day of Fortune).
23 October: Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali (Day of Knowledge).
Day of Light, or Diwali, is on October 24.
Gudi Padwa (First Day of Moon Phase): October 25,
Bhai Duj (Day of Sibling Love): October 26
HOW ABOUT HAPPY DIWALI? Happy Halloween, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and other similar expressions are used to mark holidays and festivals in many Western cultures, however this tradition is not shared by all civilizations.
To wish someone a “happy” Dragon Boat Festival, for instance, would not be suitable given the celebration’s gloomy historical roots in China’s famed Dragon Boat Festival. The Times of India claims that while stating “Happy Diwali” is OK, you can also use other, longer pleasantries.
A HAPPY DIWALI WISH: HOW DO I DO IT? According to the British Sikh Association , Diwali festivities in the UK are the biggest of their kind outside of India. By doing this, it’s likely that you know someone with a connection to the celebration, and you might want to extend your best wishes while also saying something more than just “Happy Diwali.”
During Diwali, the Times of India published a list of ideas with the following recommendations:
I wish you and your loved ones a happy Diwali.
Happy Diwali wishes to all.
The very best to you and your family as Diwali approaches.
Happy Diwali to all of you!
I wish you joy and glory, wealth and blessings on the occasion of Diwali. May you and your loved ones have a wonderful Diwali.
May the laughter and joy of the enchanted festival of lights bring you countless moments of happiness and love.
I pray for the best blessings from the God of Knowledge and the Goddess of Wealth.
Let’s celebrate Diwali in joy and brightness.
Let’s observe this festival of light in its truest form.
May the joy of this great Diwali holiday envelop you in unending happiness. Happy Diwali to you and your important people!
