What is the meaning of Diwali? What is the celebration like in India and the diaspora?

[WORLD] Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is India's most significant and widely celebrated festival. This five-day extravaganza of lights, fireworks, and festive cheer marks the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Observed by over a billion people across various faiths, Diwali has transcended its religious origins to become a global celebration of Indian culture and traditions.

The Origins and Significance of Diwali

Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit word "Deepavali" meaning "row of lights," holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists. The festival's origins are rooted in ancient Indian mythology, with different regions celebrating for various reasons.

Hindu Mythology and Diwali

In Hinduism, Diwali commemorates several important events:

Lord Rama's Return: In northern India, Diwali celebrates the triumphant return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The citizens of Ayodhya welcomed them by lighting rows of clay lamps, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Krishna's Victory: Southern India celebrates Diwali as Lord Krishna's victory over the demon king Narakasura. This story emphasizes the triumph of knowledge over ignorance.

Lakshmi's Blessings: Many Hindus associate Diwali with worshipping Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It's believed that Lakshmi visits homes during Diwali, blessing them with good fortune for the coming year.

Diwali in Other Faiths

While Diwali is primarily a Hindu festival, it holds significance for other religions as well:

Sikhism: Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, which coincides with Diwali. This day commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh guru, from imprisonment by the Mughal emperor Jahangir.

Jainism: For Jains, Diwali marks the spiritual awakening (nirvana) of Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara of Jainism.

Buddhism: Some Buddhists, particularly in Nepal, observe Diwali as the day Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE.

Diwali Celebrations: A Five-Day Festival

Diwali is typically celebrated over five days, with each day holding its own significance and customs. The festivities usually fall in late October or early November, based on the Hindu lunar calendar.

Day 1: Dhanteras

The first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras, is considered auspicious for new beginnings and purchases. Many people buy gold or silver on this day, believing it will bring good fortune.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi

Also known as Choti Diwali, this day commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura. In southern India, people often take an oil bath on this day, symbolizing purification.

Day 3: Lakshmi Puja

The third day is the main Diwali celebration. Homes are illuminated with diyas (clay lamps) and colorful rangoli designs adorn doorways. Families gather for Lakshmi Puja, seeking blessings for prosperity and success.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja

This day varies regionally. In some areas, it's celebrated as Govardhan Puja, commemorating Lord Krishna's lifting of Govardhan Hill. In others, it marks the start of the new year.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

The final day of Diwali celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers' well-being, and brothers offer gifts to their sisters.

Diwali Traditions and Customs

Diwali celebrations are characterized by a variety of customs and traditions that vary across regions and communities.

Illumination and Decoration

The most iconic aspect of Diwali is the lighting of diyas and candles. Homes, streets, and public spaces are adorned with lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Elaborate rangoli designs, created using colored powders, rice, or flower petals, decorate entrances to homes and public spaces.

Fireworks and Festivities

Fireworks displays are a hallmark of Diwali celebrations, lighting up the night sky with dazzling colors. However, in recent years, many cities have implemented restrictions on fireworks due to environmental concerns. This year, several northern Indian states, including the capital New Delhi, have implemented partial or whole fireworks restrictions to tackle growing pollution levels around Diwali.

Feasting and Sweets

Food plays a central role in Diwali celebrations. Families prepare elaborate feasts and exchange sweets (mithai) with friends and relatives. Traditional Diwali sweets include laddoos, barfi, and gulab jamun.

New Clothes and Gifts

Wearing new clothes during Diwali is a common tradition. People also exchange gifts with family, friends, and colleagues. Setting off firecrackers is a beloved ritual, as is distributing sweets and presents with friends and family.

Gambling and Games

In some regions, gambling is a popular Diwali tradition. It's believed that gambling on Diwali night brings good luck for the coming year. Card games and other forms of friendly gambling are common during family gatherings.

Diwali in the Diaspora

As Indian communities have spread across the globe, Diwali celebrations have taken root in many countries, becoming a vibrant part of multicultural societies.

Global Recognition

Many countries with significant Indian populations now recognize Diwali as an important cultural event. In the United States, for example, Diwali is celebrated in the White House, and several states have declared it a school holiday.

Adapting Traditions

While maintaining core traditions, diaspora communities often adapt Diwali celebrations to their local contexts. For instance, In the United States, Diwali coincides on Halloween this year, triggering quite a few #Diwaloween memes on social media, where some celebrants can be seen lighting diyas in their frightening costumes or handing out laddoos to trick-or-treaters.

Community Celebrations

Many diaspora communities organize large-scale Diwali events, featuring cultural performances, food festivals, and fireworks displays. These events serve to both celebrate Indian culture and share it with the broader community.

Modern Interpretations of Diwali

As Diwali evolves in the 21st century, new interpretations and celebrations of the festival are emerging.

Eco-Friendly Diwali

With growing environmental awareness, many celebrants are opting for eco-friendly Diwali celebrations. This includes using LED lights instead of traditional diyas, choosing organic rangoli colors, and avoiding fireworks.

Corporate Diwali

Many businesses now recognize Diwali, offering special promotions and organizing celebrations for employees. This corporate embrace of Diwali reflects its growing global significance.

Diwali in Popular Culture

Diwali is increasingly featured in Western media and popular culture. For example, This year, Mattel introduced its 'Barbie Signature Diwali Doll' by designer Anita Dongre, who noted on Instagram that her Barbie reflects 'the fashion-forward modern lady who wears India on her sleeve with pride.'

Diwali, with its rich tapestry of traditions, myths, and celebrations, continues to be a beacon of joy and cultural pride for millions around the world. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the diaspora communities in New York or London, the Festival of Lights illuminates the universal human desire for goodness, knowledge, and prosperity.

As it evolves and adapts to modern times, Diwali remains a powerful symbol of India's cultural heritage and its growing global influence. Whether celebrated with traditional fervor or modern interpretations, Diwali continues to spread its message of light and hope, bringing people together in a celebration of life and unity.