A renowned holiday in India, Diwali is celebrated by many throughout the land, including those non-religious. In many ways, the celebrations have come to be similar to that of Christmas, a secular holiday. Diwali, also known as Divali or Deepavil, is a five day festival signifying the triumphant victory of light over darkness, hence, the reference as 'festival of lights'.
Dhanteras
This is the first day of the celebration and is in honor Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. This day is celebrated by accumulation, purchasing items such as jewelry, clothing, utensils, and lighting lamps to welcome the Goddess.
The second day highlights the story of the Hindu God, Krishna, who overcame his battle over the demon, Narakasura. Twinkling lights are set up to celebrate his victory, recognizing that that battle has been won today as it was then.
Diwali, Deepawali, or Lakshmi Puja
This day, the third in the five day festival, is the height of the celebration. On this day, family and friends travel to be with one another, exchanging sweets and gifts with one another. Lights and candles are lit as well to emphasize the meaning that light has overcome and to welcome light and prosperity given by the goddess Lakshmi. In this year (2022), the third day falls on October 24, 2022.
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On the fourth day, Krishna's defeat of the king of the Hindu Gods, Indra, by lifting up a mountain is commerating by the building of cow dung into small piles.
Bhai Dooj or Yama Dwitiva
The fifth and final day of the festival is the day for unity and coming together of brothers and sisters. On this day, siblings honor and pray for one another. Traditionally,as it's the final day of celebration, fireworks were set off, but in 2017, these were banned in India due to air quality and pollution.
Finally, I found the video linked below during my research for this entry. I connected with Sadhguru Darshan's teaching on Diwalias life affirming. Specifically, I found significance in the focus of the festival not being on wealth, but on health; the most important part of prosperity. Detailing how this festival comes at the dawn of the darker, winter months (in the northern hemisphere), he taught that what is important first is to care for oneself so as not to slow down, sink below, and to find ways to continue to be lifted up onwards towards soul evolution.
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