Compiled by: www.HinduTempleHouston.Net
Deepawali or Diwali is the festival of lights.
It is the most pan-Indian of all Hindu festivals. It
symbolises the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness.
The word `Deepawali' literally means rows of diyas (clay lamps).
Click here to view a fire cracker exploding on Deepawali day
(Click on Back button to return to this screen, after viewing the explosion.)
A family festival, it
is celebrated 20 days after Dussehra, on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the
month of Asvin (October-November)
This festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his
kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile.
Another view is that Deepawali is meant to celebrate the destruction of the arrogant
tyrant Bali at the hands of Vishnu when the latter appeared in his Vamana (dwarf)
avatar.
Deepawali is celebrated with great fanfare in Hindu temples and homes in India, USA,
Canada, U.K., and other countries where Hindus live.
Twinkling oil lamps or diyas
light up every home and firework displays are common all across the country. The
goddess Lakshmi (consort of Vishnu), who is the symbol of wealth and prosperity,
is also worshipped on this day.
This festive occasion also marks the beginning of the Hindu new year and
Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, the symbol of auspiciousness and
wisdom, is also worshipped in most Hindu homes on this day.
In India, the occasion of Deepawali sees the spring-cleaning and white-washing of houses;
decorative designs or rangolis are painted on floors and walls. New clothes are
bought and family members and relatives gather together to offer prayers, distribute
sweets and to light up their homes.
In West Bengal, the Deepawali festival is celebrated as Kali Puja and Kali, Siva's
consort, is worshipped on this day.
What is Deepawali?
When is Deepawali Celebrated?
Is there is story behind this festival?
How is Deepawali Celebrated?
