Diwali or Deepavali is the "festival of lights" happily celebrated all internationally by folk from different countries and backgrounds. It is mostly a 5 day long event celebrated by the Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhist for different reasons. The date of the event of Diwali usually falls between mid-October and mid-November.
Let's have a look at what Diwali or Deepavali signifies for assorted faiths
Jainism:For the Jain community Diwali honours Mahavira. Mahavira attained moksha or nirvana in 527 BC on this day. Jains usually celebrate this event by lighting lamps recognising Lord Mahavira's teachings and greatness.
The celebrations begins with a three-day fast as well as the recitation of sacred Jain hymns. They also hold that meditating for a few days helps them achieve moksha. Homes are then decorated with lights and lamps. They also believe in worshiping goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and opening new enterprises on this day.
Sikhism:Diwali has a significant relevancy for Sikhs. For its this day that their sixth (6th) guru, Guru Hargobind was freed from incarceration. Guru Hargobind also helped save 52 Hindu Kings that were held incarcerated in the Gwalior fort by the Mughal Emperor. After his release, Guru Hargobind went straight to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India where thousands of lamps and candles were lit to celebrate his welcome return.
Today, candy are prepared at home and the water body surrounding the temple is lit with tons of floating candles. They also take part in a procession to mark the release of their Guru. Akhand paath or the non-stop reading of Guru Granth Sahab, the sacred book of Sikhism is also performed as a part of the parties. Fireworks light up the skies in the evening to mark the day.
Buddhism:Buddhist celebrate Diwali as Ashok Vijaydashmi - in the memory of King Ashok. They chant mantras and sometimes remember this day as a day when lord Ashok took-up Buddhism and gave up all of his families rights and worldly wealth. Buddhist temples and churches from all over the world are decorated with lights and candles and Buddha is worshiped.
Hinduism:For Hindus from all over the world, Diwali is the most awaited event of the year. The five-day long festivities will start with the worship of goddess of wealth and the acquiring of new cutlery. The second day suggests the passing of malevolent, the third (3rd) and main day celebrates joy and tranquility and folk pray for wealth and sometimes prosperity. The fourth (4th) day is the very start of New Year and is believed to be special for attempting to start new businesses. The fifth (5th) and very last day is solely devoted to the brother-sister relationship.
Numerous regions celebrated Diwali in different ways but the lights, firecrackers, sweets and family get togethers aren't unusual in every one of them. It's a festival of new beginnings.
India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji are lucky that Diwali is recognized as an official holiday.
Let's have a look at what Diwali or Deepavali signifies for assorted faiths
Jainism:For the Jain community Diwali honours Mahavira. Mahavira attained moksha or nirvana in 527 BC on this day. Jains usually celebrate this event by lighting lamps recognising Lord Mahavira's teachings and greatness.
The celebrations begins with a three-day fast as well as the recitation of sacred Jain hymns. They also hold that meditating for a few days helps them achieve moksha. Homes are then decorated with lights and lamps. They also believe in worshiping goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and opening new enterprises on this day.
Sikhism:Diwali has a significant relevancy for Sikhs. For its this day that their sixth (6th) guru, Guru Hargobind was freed from incarceration. Guru Hargobind also helped save 52 Hindu Kings that were held incarcerated in the Gwalior fort by the Mughal Emperor. After his release, Guru Hargobind went straight to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India where thousands of lamps and candles were lit to celebrate his welcome return.
Today, candy are prepared at home and the water body surrounding the temple is lit with tons of floating candles. They also take part in a procession to mark the release of their Guru. Akhand paath or the non-stop reading of Guru Granth Sahab, the sacred book of Sikhism is also performed as a part of the parties. Fireworks light up the skies in the evening to mark the day.
Buddhism:Buddhist celebrate Diwali as Ashok Vijaydashmi - in the memory of King Ashok. They chant mantras and sometimes remember this day as a day when lord Ashok took-up Buddhism and gave up all of his families rights and worldly wealth. Buddhist temples and churches from all over the world are decorated with lights and candles and Buddha is worshiped.
Hinduism:For Hindus from all over the world, Diwali is the most awaited event of the year. The five-day long festivities will start with the worship of goddess of wealth and the acquiring of new cutlery. The second day suggests the passing of malevolent, the third (3rd) and main day celebrates joy and tranquility and folk pray for wealth and sometimes prosperity. The fourth (4th) day is the very start of New Year and is believed to be special for attempting to start new businesses. The fifth (5th) and very last day is solely devoted to the brother-sister relationship.
Numerous regions celebrated Diwali in different ways but the lights, firecrackers, sweets and family get togethers aren't unusual in every one of them. It's a festival of new beginnings.
India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji are lucky that Diwali is recognized as an official holiday.
About the Author:
Zane AL-Said started the Diwali Network Blog with the goal of providing event stories, media, articles and Blogs for the community who celebrate Deepavali yearly.Zane is an IT veteran who enjoys his family on an everyday basis and his Formula 1 fortnightly.Check out more about the stories behind the Diwali celebrations in different faiths as well as some of the strangest and funniest video's we can find on the Internet...oh and you may find 2 engaging Blog content.