Diwali or Deepavali is the third most popularly celebrated festival across the world after Christmas and Eid. Almost 15% of the people are celebrating it globally. As a major official festival, it’s celebrated in 11 countries (Fiji, Guyana, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and from recent years in Sindh Province, Pakistan).
Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It is also known as ‘festival of lights’ because the houses, shops and public places are decorated with oil lamps and fireworks displays are held.
Although the legends behind the festival are different in different parts of India. According to North Indian traditions by the Hindus Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama after a 14-year exile. However, for Hindus in South India, the main reason behind celebrating is the death of the evil Narakasura by Lord Krishna.
It falls on the date of the new moon between Hindu months of Asvina and Kartika. Usually, It’s in October or November!
Before Diwali day people clean their houses, buy new clothes, buy decorative items, sweets. Relatives and friends distribute gifts and sweets among each other.
The customary greeting associated with Diwali is ‘Shubh Deepavali’ which means ‘Have an Auspicious Diwali’.
So, Subh Deepavali to all those celebrating!
