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Saturday, February 15 2025

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali

Every year, during the fall, an ancient Hindu festival called “Diwali” is celebrated. Diwali is also commonly known as “Deepavali” and it means the “festival of lights.” According to Hinduism Today, “the festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.”

This year, Diwali begins on Thursday October 23, and the preparations and rituals typically extend over five days. According to the Gregorian calendar, Diwali night, or the night when the festival coincides with the darkest, new moon of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika, falls between mid-October and mid-November.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali
Symbol of Hinduism

In preparation for Diwali, people decorate their homes, dress p in new clothes, light lamps and candles (also called diyas), and participate in family puja, or prayers, to Lakshmi-the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Following puja, there are fireworks and a feast, then an exchange of gifts.

Diwali is an official holiday among Hindus in countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobego, Suriname, Malayasia, Singapore and Fiji.

Although these are typically the places where Diwali is celebrated, there was recently a Diwali festival in Korea called “Indians in Korea” that featured Indian celebrities from around the world. The host of the celebration in Korea was Bollywood celebrity Dev Anand Jr.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali
Dev Anand Jr. in Korea for Diwali festival

“It’s quite common in the USA, Australia, Canada, to get in Bollywood celebrities for Diwali festivals, but in Korea, we have a very small Indian community, but it’s growing fast. For the first time, we had a Bollywood celebrity here for the festival,” said Indians In Korea Vice President Rohidas Arote. “The multicultural touch is coming now.”

To learn more about Diwali, and what celebrations are planned around the world this week, CLICK HERE.

 

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About Author

Courtney Deuschle

Courtney Deuschle was born and raised in Colorado. Although her biggest move was just across town, she has left her footprint in many countries all over the world. As she grew up and found her identity, she developed a passion for two things: writing and traveling. As a world traveler, Deuschle has an open mind and she loves to learn and experience different cultures that are completely different from her own. On the outside, people see a blonde haired, blue eyed, North American girl, but they don’t know about the experiences she cherishes the most that have shaped her into the person she is today. Deuchele plans to continue traveling for the rest of her life, and even sees herself living in other countries someday.

2 comments

  1. What a great article! This is one of those festivals that just seems so incredibly beautiful. I found this website http://www.diwalifestival.org/ that explains a little bit more about the festival and everything surrounding it.  I would love to experience one someday. 

  2. Hey Diwali is two days after my birthday! I really like the idea behind the spirituality of the holiday. It sounds like a festival of renewal and positivity. Also your article included all the perfect information that you need to know about this article.

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