History of Diwali
The festival’s name roughly translates to ‘row of lamps/lights’ – which is why Diwali is commonly known as the Festival of Lights. Diwali takes place over a period of five days during the end of Ashvin/start of Kartika – the Hindu lunar calendar months – which equate to the Gregorian calendar months of October/November. Diwali is a national Hindu festival that is also embraced by other religions, including the Sikhs and Jains.
There are many legends about the origin of the festival. Some believe it to be a celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, with Lord Vishnu. Others believe it to be the birthday of Lakshmi. However, the most common belief is that Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama along with Goddess Sita and Lakshman from his 14-year-long exile to the kingdom of Ayodhya. To show the joy of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya illuminated the entire kingdom with earthen diyas, which gave birth to the festival of lights.
How is it celebrated?
How Diwali is celebrated in India depends mostly on the region where it is celebrated, and the significance of Diwali in India varies based on the region. But it is not only just celebrated within India. However, fireworks at night, lighting diya in and outside houses, drawing and decorating outside the gate, home decorations, puja and rituals are the most common ways to celebrate.
Best places to experience Diwali
This year, Diwali falls on the 27th October. However, next year it falls on the 14th November. The festival offers many opportunities to witness Diwali celebrations in many different cities in India, where it is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the whole country.
Varanasi
In Varanasi, Diwali is an elaborate affair. A special Ganga Aarti takes place in the evening. The river is illuminated with thousands of diyas and ghats. The environment is filled with the chants of the priests, singing prayers for Goddess Ganga and Lakshmi. Not to mention the constant stream of firecrackers and fireworks lighting the sky all night long. It is one of the best Diwali experiences in India. Dev Deepavali is also celebrated two weeks after Diwali on the full moon night of the Hindu lunar month of Kartika; which is an even bigger occasion.
Jaipur
The city of Jaipur looks superbly beautiful and royal during Diwali celebrations. The streets, homes and markets are illuminated, making the ‘pink city’ a sparkling kaleidoscope of colours. The sky of Jaipur is filled with blinding fireworks and the markets serve tasty traditional delicacies. Each year, there’s a competition for the best decorated and most brilliantly lit up market, it’s an incredible display that attracts visitors from all over.
Chennai
In the southern part of India, Diwali is celebrated from the beginning of the day. People awake at the crack of dawn to have a traditional oil bath. The Puja takes place in the morning and bursting of crackers takes place all day. Celebrations here usually wind up by the late evening.
Ayodbya
For one of India’s biggest Diwali celebration, head to the holy city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh where Lord Ram and his wife Sita returned on this day after 14 years of exile. In 2018, a record number of more than 300,000 earthen lamps were lit along the banks of the Saryu River, earning the festival a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
