Diwali or Deepavali is one of the most popular festivals celebrated by Hindus and other communities across the world. The festival represents the victory of light over darkness and thus is also called the ‘festival of lights’. Diwali 2018 or Deepavali 2018 is being celebrated on November 7 this year .
Signifying the the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair, the festival is a five-day affair.
Significance of Diwali
The main night falls on the darkest new moon night (Amavasya) according to the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika, which is usually between mid-October and mid-November. Before the Diwali night, people clean their homes and offices and decorate it with lamps, lights, rangolis and diyas. They also dress up in their finest clothes and get set to perform the Lakshmi Puja with newly-installed idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
Diwali is also believed to be the occasion of Lord Vishnu marrying Goddess Laksmi. Many also believe that Godess Lakshmi was born on the day, and celebrate it as Diwali or Deepavali.
Bengalis worship Goddess Kali on this day. Lord Ganesha is also worshiped by many during Diwali or Deepavali, as he is considered to be auspicious.
Diwali also holds importance for Indians as a day dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Bestowed with good fortune, prosperity and wealth, devotees begin the pooja by praying Lord Ganesha followed by a pooja for Goddess Lakshmi to ward away obstacles. According to legends, on this day Goddess Lakshmi visits each of her devotees and bestows them with gifts and wishes. In order to welcome the deity into their house, the devotees clean their house, wear new clothes and light up the house with new lights every year. The pooja begins by opening all the doors and windows the welcome Goddess Lakshmi into our homes.
While we gear up to ring in this beautiful festival, here’s wishing everyone a Happy Diwali.
