Every year, on the northern hemisphere’s darkest night, millions of people light up their homes and streets to commemorate Diwali the festival of lights, the triumph of good over evil.
The annual Festival of Lights is Diwali, also known as Deepavali.
It takes place on the darkest night of the Hindu lunar calendar, just before the new moon, and ushers in new beginnings.
Diwali is a Hindu, Sikh, Jains, and Newar Buddhist festival that is widely celebrated in India and observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Newar Buddhists all over the world.
While the stories and rituals of Diwali vary by religion, they all celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
When is Diwali in the year 2021?
Diwali begins this year on Tuesday, November 2nd, but the main celebration is on Thursday, November 4th.
The five-day event takes place in October or November, with the third day being the most important.
Faith, food, fireworks, family, and charity all come together as one during the festive season, and each of the five days has its own significance.
Diwali also marks the end of the harvest season in the northern hemisphere.
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Diwali is celebrated in a variety of ways.
Diwali is a five-day festival in which people exchange gifts, spend time with loved ones, eat, and pray.
To ward off the darkness, all of this is traditionally done around grand displays of lights.
The first day, which is considered auspicious, is spent praying and making preparations.
People clean and shop for new clothes and ornaments on this day, with gold and silver purchases considered particularly lucky.
On the second day, houses are decorated with colorful clay lamps known as diyas to bring goodness and purity into the darkness.
Rangolis, which are elaborate designs made up of colored powders, flowers, and rice, are also drawn outside homes to welcome gods and attract good luck.
On the third day of the festival, the festival reaches its pinnacle.
With an extravagant display of lights, candles, firecrackers, and fireworks, families gather to pray for prosperity and to ward off evil forces.
On the fourth day, relatives, friends, and neighbors exchange gifts and best wishes in the spirit of giving.
To commemorate the bond between siblings, Diwali concludes with a feast of traditional meals and sweet delicacies.
What is the best way for me to wish my friend a happy Diwali?
Wishing someone “Happy Diwali,” as with any other holiday, will suffice.
Send them a text or tell them in person; even better, bring them a festive treat like jalebi or gulab jamun.
Diwali festivals are held by local governments and community groups across Australia every year, and are often referred to as the Festival of Lights, if you want to join in the festivities.
The events feature the best of Indian cuisine, entertainment, and cultural practices like henna tattooing.
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Video by WION
ABC News
