HAPPY DIWALI
2K17/2017
This season the date for DIWALI celebrations is 19th Oct.
One of the most significant festivals in Indian culture, DIWALI, the celebration of lights, sees millions attend firework displays and celebratory events around the world every autumn.
The festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains for a variety of reasons, although the key theme which runs throughout is the victory of sunshine over darkness and good over evil.
To celebrate, houses are adorned with candles and colorful lights and huge firework displays are held while families feast and share love. DIWALI is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New 12 months, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. You see, the day of DIWALI is typically celebrated on the festival's third day, which this year falls on Thursday, October 23. The event usually falls between the middle of October and the middle of November, although this is decided after by the Hindu lunar calendar. While each faith has its own reason to celebrate the festival, one of the most popular stories told is the legend of Lord Gajo and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom in northern India from exile after defeating the demon king Ravanna in the 15th century BC.
The festival is proclaimed by large firework shows, to remember the celebrations which, in line with the legend, took place after Rama's return as locals head out their own version of fireworks. All those celebrating the festival also light traditional earthen diyas (candles) and decorate their houses with colourful rangoli artworks - patterns created on the floor using coloured rice or natural powder. During DIWALI, families and friends share sweets and gifts and there is also a strong perception in giving food and goods to those in need. It is also traditional for homes to be cleaned and new clothes to be worn at the time of the festival
DIWALI is a five day party every have special significance.
Day 1: Dhanteras - the financial year begins.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdasi - celebrating the vanquishing of Naraka.
Day 3: Amavasya - the worship of Lakshmi - signifies wealth and best wishes to all devotees.
Day time 4: Kartika Shudola Padyani - celebrating when Bali took over his new kingdom
D ay 5: Yama Dvitya - your day when sisters worship their brothers
The fourth day of DIWALI is the Hindu New Year.
DIWALI is celebrated around the world.
DIWALI is an official holiday in India, Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, Mayanmar, Mauritius, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobaggo, and Singapore
