Diwali - festival of lights in India

Diwali or Deepavali, which in Sanskrit means “bunch of fire,” is a festival of lights celebrated everywhere in India and symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. It falls at the beginning of the month of Kartik (October-November) and is celebrated for five days.

There are several legends associated with the holiday. Vaishnavites link the beginning of Diwali celebrations with the coronation of Prince Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu. On the night of his happy enthronement, illuminations were arranged throughout the country.

According to another version, the wise reign of Rama marked deliverance from spiritual darkness. The lit fires symbolize the return of humanity from darkness to light thanks to the legendary prince.

In every region of India, Diwali celebrations have their own characteristics. For some parts of the country and population groups (for example, the trading communities of Western India), Diwali coincides with the beginning of the New Year. On this day, merchants put account books in order and tidy up their shops. In the evening, shops and houses are illuminated with oil lamps or garlands of electric light bulbs.

In most parts of India, Diwali is dedicated to the Goddess of wealth and fertility Lakshmi, the wife of God Vishnu. The houses are thoroughly cleaned, all the lights are lit, since the Goddess does not like darkness, they turn to her in prayer, offer her milk in which coins are dipped, and at night they leave the doors and windows open so that it is easier for her to enter the house.

In the south of India, Diwali celebrates the victory of God Krishna over the demon Narakasura. On this day of the victory of good over evil, Hindus generously anoint themselves with coconut oil, which cleanses them of sins, since this ceremony is considered equal in importance to bathing in the sacred Ganges.

In the East of India, and especially in Bengal, Diwali is dedicated to the worship of the black Goddess Kali, who personifies the cult of power. On this occasion, prayers are performed in front of the images of the Goddess for ten days, and then these images are immersed in the waters of rivers or ponds.

Diwali is also celebrated by Muslims who mark the arrival of Lakshmi with lights and games of cards and dice, as Lakshmi brings good luck.

On this holiday of light, the streets of cities and villages are illuminated with thousands of lights and fireworks. The air is shaken by the explosions of rockets, firecrackers and firecrackers.