The word Diwali has been derived from Deepavali
which in turn is formed by dipa + avali (row).
Deepavali is thus a line or a row of lamps. During
Diwali, lamps are lit everywhere. It is celebrated
on four consecutive days - the thirteenth day
(Dhanatrayodashi), the fourteenth day (Narak chaturdashi)
and the new moon day (amavasya) [Lakshmipujan]
of the dark fortnight of Ashvin and the first
day of the bright fortnight of Kartik (Balipratipada).
Some exclude the thirteenth and consider only
the remaining three days as Diwali. Since Vasubaras
and Bhaubij respectively precede and follow Diwali,
they are included in it. However in reality they
are separate holy festivals.
The most repeated version is that Hindus celebrate
Diwali to mark the time when Lord Rama achieved
victory over Ravana. Some also view it as the
day Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura or in
honor of the day Bali went to rule the nether-world,
obeying the order of Vishnu. It is also a significant
festival for the Sikh faith. In India, Diwali
is now considered to be more of a national festival,
and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed
by most Indians regardless of faith.
This is the day when worship unto Mother Lakshmi
is performed. Hindus cleanse themselves and join
with their families and their Pandit (priest)
and they worship the divine Goddess Lakshmi to
achieve the blessings of wealth and prosperity,
the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
Gifts are exchanged and sweets, festive meals
are prepared during Diwali. Because there are
many castes and regions in India, there are myriad
manifestations of the
Diwali festival.
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