Diwali 2020

Diwali, The Festival of Light

Date: 14^th November 2020 (Saturday)

With much funfare, Indian Communities all over world celebrate Diwali. It is a Festival of light. Diwali also well known as Deepavali, Divali is a five-days according to Hindu Calendar in the month of Kartika (mid-October to mid-November). In this festival where ‘Deepa’ means ‘light’ and ‘vali’ means ‘row’; Thus a row of light. It is exactly what we saw in homes during Deepavali celebration. One of the most popular festival of Hinduism, it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and hope over despair. Diwali is mainly associated with Laxmi, Goddess of prosperity. Festival is celebrated on Amavasya (i.e. no moon day) & celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains & Buddhists. As believe that, it is a celebration of good over evil, positive beginning and victory of fare over unfare. Regional traditions connect Deepavali to Sita, Ram, Dhanvantari, Vishwakarma, Durga and Kali.

As earlier, in Indian culture, there was a time when there is a festival on every day of the year that is 365 festivals in a row. This means to live whole life as into a celebration of festival. Diwali is an official holiday in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji. However, outside India the largest celebration of Diwali is take place in Leicester, England’s Golden Mile Section.

Festival of Diwali is celebrated eighteen days after Dussehra festival, with Dhanteras. As it is a five-day function, on first day of the festival cleaning of houses, decoration on floors (Rangoli). On second day Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated (mostly Hindus of south India Celebrated). Third day (main Diwali) is the day of Laxmi Puja and darkest night of the month. The day after Laxmi Puja is marked as Goverdhan Puja and Padwa, which is dedicated to relationship of Husband and wife. Last day of festival is celebrated as Bhai Dooj, which is dedicated the bond between brother and sister.

The Jains observe their Diwali as the final liberation of Mahavira. The Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Diwas, dedicated to mark the release of Guru Hargobind from Mughal prison. The Buddhists celebrate Diwali by worshiping Laxmi, while Bengali Hindus celebrating Diwali by worshiping Goddess Kali.

Celebration Diwali-

Light up the homes and hearts of communities all over the world. During these 5 days, people houses are lit up by Diyas (Clay lamps) and exterior of their houses are fully decorated with electric lights. Rangoli art is drawn on floors/ living rooms or courtyards by using materials such as dry flour, colored rice, sand or flower petals (modified leaves). Neighbors exchanges gifts which includes sweets, dried fruits and other attracted gifts. On this occasion also to share the happiness with needy people of community. The aromas coming from kitchen will attract the whole family members. In the kitchen there are various rich savory and sweet dishes which are used when guests are arrive to exchange of gifts. Burning of crackers are also taken out on this occasion. Sky is overloaded with sound of crackers and different colored lights, there is a great enjoy in watching fireworks. Diwali celebrations are loud and colorful. For some people Diwali means the annual cleaning and decorating of houses and for some it means the bit of sweets.

Religious significance-

Diwali is celebrated by Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhists, all are having their own faith and stories but nonetheless all represents the same symbolic victory of light over darkness and good over evil. 

Hinduism-

Hindu link the festival to a story about Lord Rama (who is a descendant to the Hindu God Vishnu), Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman. In Ramayana Rama  returns to his kingdom Ayodhya after 14  years in exile after winning the  battle against a demon king named as Ravna. on their return people lit up their houses with Diyas (lamps) to celebrate his victory. Fest of Diwali is celebrated for 3 days in most southern  parts but 5 days span in many northern parts of the country.

Diwali Preparation and rituals begin weeks in advance, generally after the festival of Dusshera that precedes Deepavali by about 20 days. As discussed earlier, festival begins 2 days before and ends two days thereafter Diwali. Each day has its own rituals and significance, which are as follow-

The First Day 

The first day of Diwali is known to celebrate Dhanteras. This day is seen as greatly lucky to buy gold and other forms of material wealth. This day marks as the birthday of Dhanavanthri, the physician of the Gods. This day is also seen as to invoke God's blessings for good health one's family.

Second Day

The second day of Diwali is well known as Naraka Chaturdashi which marks the defeat of demon Narakasura. Day marks the win of good over evil. It is a tradition to decorate the home with rangoli in order to beat off the effects of evil forces.

Third Day

The Third day of Deepavali is the main day of Diwali during which Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity and wife of God Vishnu) is worshipped. Houses are lit up and Goddess Lakshmi is invited home. This assumes that on this day welcoming of Goddess Lakshmi signifies the arrival of wealth and prosperity.

The Fourth Day

The fourth day of Diwali is known for Govardhan Puja. It is celebrated to mark Lord Krishna's endeavour in lifting the Govardhan mountain to save his relative/people from floods and rain. In the southern states of Karnataka & Tamil Nadu, day is referred to as Bali Padyami, on this day Lord Vishnu defeated the demon king Bali. Maratha’s call this day Nava Divas (new day).

The Fifth Day

The fifth day (final day of festival) is known as Bhaiduj, this day celebrates the love between brother and sister. Bengalis call this day Bhai Phota and Gujaratis call this day as Bhai Bij. As per stories it was also known that, on this day that the God of death (Yama, Yamraj), visited his sister Yami (river Yamuna). Brothers and sisters share a meal just as River Yamuna (Yami) hosted a delicious feast for her brother Yama.

Sikhism-

In remembrance of release of Sikh Guru Hargobind from prison by Mughal emperor, Jahangir, Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated. On this day he arrived at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Diwali festival is older than the sixth Guru Hargobind. Guru Amar Das, built a well in Goindwall and invited Sikhs to bath in its sacred water on Baisakhi and Diwali. This will also show the community bonding. This festival is also at important for holy sites such as Amritsar which became focal point for all pilgrimages.

Jainism-

In Jain tradition, Deepawali is celebrated in observance of “Mahavira Nirvana Diwas”, Physical death and final nirvana of Mahavira. In many parts, Jain celebrates similar practice as Hindu celebrate Diwali, such as lightening of Diyas, offering of prayer to Lakshmi. However, their main focus is remains the dedication of Mahavira. Lamps lit in remembrance of “Great light” Mahavira. Diwali’s significance to Jains is reflected in their artwork such as their historic paintings.

Buddhism-

Most of Buddhists, Deepawali is not a festival, exception of Newar individuals (belongs from Nepal) who worship various divinities in the Buddhism and celebrate Deepawali by present prayers to Goddess Lakshmi.

In Nepalese valleys Newar Buddhists celebrates Diwali over five days, as same days and same way. As Nepalese Hindu celebrate festival named as Diwali-Tihar. They worship Luxmi and Vishnu during Diwali and also celebrate the freedom within Mahayana Buddhist tradition in which they worship their deity for their betterment.

Other traditions and significance-

Many villages/rural township host melas / fairs during the season of Diwali. In these melas local producer and artist trade goods. Various type of entertainments are available for residents of the local community. Women adorn themselves on colorful attire and decorate their hands with Mehndi. Such events are also stated in the record of Sikh history.

In modern days Deepawali festivals are held at college and universities campuses. In these campuses variety of music, dance and art performances, food, craft and cultural activities are presented.

Economics-

During Diwali festival there is a major increment in shopping. It is comparable to Christmas season in term of consumer purchases and economic events. It is the time when all family members purchase new clothes, home decorator, gifts.  This festival is dedicated to Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) so specially gold and silver jewelry is purchased in a huge amount because such purchases are considered auspicious and lucky. During Diwali rural people of India spends their huge saving amount of their income according to ASSOCHAM.

Politics-

Deepawali is the season when worldwide cultural exchanges occasions for politicians, religious leaders worldwide to meet Hindu. Many state Government sponsor Diwali festivals. For example, Singapore Government organizes many events during Diwali fest every year. National leaders attended Deepavali festival at prominent Hindu temples in UK. Diwali also celebrated by British Prime Minister every year. Diwali was first celebrated in White House in 2003 by George W. Bush. Indian forces approach their Pakistani counterparts at border on the occasion of Deepawali bearing gifts of Indian sweets.

Greeting SMS for Diwali (Deepawali, Deepavali, Divali) 2020

1.     May God make your Diwali colorful with the lights of the Diyas. Happy Diwali 2020.

2.   On this occasion I pray that you live your life like the festival of Diwali, happy, healthy and wealthy. Wish you a Very Happy Diwali 2020.

3.   May every candle that will be lit on the evening of Diwali bring joy and prosperity for you and your family. Happy Diwali 2020.

4.    On this Diwali, Light a Lamp (Diya) of love, blast your sorrow, Shoot a rocket of prosperity and Fire of happiness. Happy Diwali 2020.

5.     I always mean that Life with you is like Diwali, so be together like this forever. Wish you a very Happy Deepavali 2020.

6.    Diwali is the removal of the darkness of ignorance from the mind by filling it with lights of goodness. Happy Diwali 2020.

7.     Happiness is in air, Its Diwali everywhere, let’s show some love and care by wishing everyone out there. Happy Diwali 2020.

8.    Diwali festival is a special time to celebrate our love for each other. Happy Diwali 2020.

9.    This Diwali I wish you get a lot of Happiness from surrounding, lots of sweets from elders. Wishing you a safe and Happy Diwali 2020.

10.  May this Diwali bring light in your future and erase all your troubles by fulfill your all dreams.

11.  May this Diwali, came up with fresh hope, fresh dreams. Wishing you a Happy Diwali 2020.

12. As Diwali is the festival of lights, may this festival full your life with the glow of happiness and sparkle of enjoyment. Happy Diwali 2020.

13. May this Diwali bring prosperous to your business and provide more opportunity to your carrier. Happy Diwali 2020.

14.  Wishes you a very happy and bright Diwali. Happy Diwali 2020.

15.  On Diwali, sky is full of fireworks, houses are full of light and hearts are full of joy. We wish you a very Happy Diwali 2020.

16. Celebrate Diwali as a hope and Goddess around you. Happy Diwali 2020.

17. Victory of Good in the world and light over darkness. Happy Diwali 2020.

18. May this Diwali illuminate your future. Warm Diwali wishes, Happy Diwali 2020.

19.  Subh Deepawali, Happiness in the air. Special about tonight. Come and let’s celebrate together. Happy Diwali 2020.

20.  May on this Diwali your all dreams comes true. Happy Diwali 2020.

Diwali 2020 best wishes images

At last we would pray that- May this festival of Diwali brings you peace, Success, health, prosperity and great happiness.