What is Diwali and what the best Deepavali wishes and greetings?

DIWALI is a Hindu festival that is celebrated once a year in October or November.

The annual celebration is filled with beautiful lights and colors, as they commemorate the famous battle between good and evil.

Alamy The festival of light pays homage to Rama’s win over the demon king Ravana[/caption]

What is Diwali?

Diwali is a festival, associated with Hinduism and it lasts five days.

It takes place between October and November every year in the northern hemisphere, during the Hindu lunisolar month of Karitka.

In the southern hemisphere, it takes place in Spring.

The festival’s purpose is to celebrate Ramachandra, who is the seventh incarnation of the god Vishnu.

It celebrates the “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance”, with the day significant to when Lord Rama returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana.

In the Hindu epic Ramayana, Prince of Kosala, Rama, was forced into a 14-year exile with his wife and brother, before Sita was kidnapped by the demon king Ravana.

A war ensued with Rama victorious as Sita was reunited with her husband.

The trio returned to Ayodhya to jubilant citizens with Rama becoming king.

Diwali celebrations begin with Dhanteras on day one, where oil lamps are installed.

The second day is Choti Diwali – or Naraka Chaturdasi – which is a day of preparing a feast and sweet treats.

On day three, Lakshmi Pujan is the height of the festival when feasts are shared, temples are visited and family is greeted.

Day four goes by various names, including Annakut, Padwa, and Govardhan Puja, where the bond between husband and wife is celebrated with gifts often given to wives.

On the final day of the Diwali festival, Bhai Duj, the bond between siblings is celebrated.

What are the five days of Diwali?

Dhanteras

Dhanteras, also called Dhantrayodashi, is 0n November 2.

People worship Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi and buy something new on this day.

Considered very auspicious, people purchase gold, silver, clothes, gadgets as a sign of good fortune. This day is purely dedicated to the goddess of wealth and it is also believed that Goddess Lakshmi emerged with a pot of gold during Amrit-Manthan.

Naraka Chaturdasi (Choti Diwali)

Naraka Chaturdasi, the second day, also known as Choti Diwali is also the 14th day of the Kartik month.

According to Hindu tradition and mythology, it is believed that Lord Krishna fought the demon Narakasura and killed him.

On Choti Diwali, people wake up early in the morning, apply aromatic oils and bathe with ritualistic scrubs.

They wear new clothes, light lamps and diyas and offer puja in the evening.

Lakshmi Puja (Diwali)

The main celebration of Diwali takes place on this day when people perform Lakshmi Puja.

Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after killing Ravana.

People welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, who is believed to bless people with luck and prosperity.

Lord Ganesha is also worshipped and people decorate the entire house with diyas, candles, lights, earthen lamps.

Delicious sweets are prepared and gifts are exchanged and people celebrate the evening with joy, happiness, prayers and laughter.

Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja is celebrated a day after Diwali and people worship Lord Krishna on this day.

It’s believed Lord Krishna saved the residents of Mathura from Lord Indra by lifting a mountain named ‘Govardhan’.

People make miniature clay and cow-dung, symbolising Govardhan and worship them.

They also prepare 56 varieties of vegetarian food and drinks for Lord Krishna as a gesture of gratitude.

Bhai Dooj

The last and final day is called the Bhai Dooj or Bhau Beej, which celebrates the special bond of brothers and sisters.

It is celebrated on the second day of the Shukla Paksha of the lunar calendar and is similar to Rakshabandhan.

On Bhai Dooj, sisters put a tilak face markings on their brothers’ forehead and pray for their long and happy life.

Sisters also prepare a luscious feast for their brothers on this occasion and siblings get together and exchange presents, sweets and blessings and this marks the end of the five-day long celebration.

What are some Diwali wishes and greetings?

It can be as simple as saying ‘Happy Diwali’, but there are a few other longer greetings you can say if you wish to.

“It’s Diwali everywhere, happiness is in the air and wealth forever… And wish everyone out there Happy Diwali!”
“Let this Diwali burn all your bad times and enter you in good times.”
“Since this is a special occasion when all the family and friends get together, for fun. Wishing a lot of amusement to cheer your days during this festive season. Happy Diwali!”
“Doubt is like darkness and trust is like a light. There is no way one can destroy light by throwing darkness into it. So, let’s come together and enjoy the festival of lights. Happy Diwali”
“Diwali is a festival full of sweet memories, a sky full of fireworks, a mouth full of sweets, a house full of diyas, and a heart full of enjoyment! Happy Diwali!”

What is the difference between Diwali and Deepavali?

Diwali and Deepavali are the same festivals, just different names.

The festival of lights is more commonly known as Diwali, but can also be called Deepavali or Divali.

These can also vary depending on the religion, with Dipavali often mentioned in Jain books.