Deepavali a Festival of Lights
Candlelights, earthen lamps, homes filled with a sweet smell of delightful sweets, the warmth of families & friends, and the chill of the upcoming winter season, that’s how we’d like to paint a perfect picture of Diwali celebration in India 2022. Diwali—the “festival of lights” is the biggest festival in India, mainly celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world. Commemorating the victory of good over evil, it is also an opportunity for people to move on, let go of past grudges, and make merry.
Importance of Diwali celebrations in India |
Celebrate Deepavali with KISS Candles |
A five-day festival, Diwali is celebrated as the homecoming of Lord Rama with Sita and Laxmana after a long exile of 14 years. Translated literally from Sanskrit, Diwali means a row of lights; diyas were first lit by the people of Ayodhya to welcome their King, Rama, after defeating Ravana. Some people in India also believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi.
In most of the regions, Lord Ganesha, who is the god of wisdom and auspiciousness is worshiped on the day of Diwali. Diwali marks the anniversary of Nirvana or liberation of Mahavira’s soul in Jainism. In West Bengal, Diwali is celebrated to worship goddess Kali, who is the goddess of Shakti, means power and energy. |
CELEBRATIONS IN KIITIS
Diwali was celebrated with fervour and enthusiasm at KiiT International School. The students received a traditional welcome and the significance of the festival was shared with them.
Decorated in vibrant hues, the school had an air of festivity and merriment. The students decorated the corridors of the School beautiful rangolis. They were keen to ensure a pollution-free and safe Diwali. This was evident as they pledged to keep their neighborhood noiseless, clean and green. The students discussed the tradition of celebrating Diwali with earthen lamps and flowers. It was a means to preserve the environment and yet savor the celebration of this beautiful festival of lights. Have a fun filled, joyous and happy Deepawali!!
Decorated in vibrant hues, the school had an air of festivity and merriment. The students decorated the corridors of the School beautiful rangolis. They were keen to ensure a pollution-free and safe Diwali. This was evident as they pledged to keep their neighborhood noiseless, clean and green. The students discussed the tradition of celebrating Diwali with earthen lamps and flowers. It was a means to preserve the environment and yet savor the celebration of this beautiful festival of lights. Have a fun filled, joyous and happy Deepawali!!
How different Diwali is celebrated around the world:
One of the most loved festivals in India, Diwali, is just around the corner and each of us have dived into the spirit of Diwali. From cleaning homes to buying new clothes, from taking a walk in the much-awaited colorfully lit and lively streets to bursting crackers! Diwali is celebrated differently in different cultures across India and even abroad. People from different communities and regions observe Diwali in their own unique ways.
1. Nepal In Nepal, Diwali is known as ‘Tihar’,’Yamapanchak’, or ‘Swanti’ is a five-day long festival celebrated simultaneously with Deepavali in India. 2. Pakistan Diwali is mainly celebrated by Pakistan Hindu community. However, Muslims and Christians also take part in it. 3. Singapore One of the festivals that unite the people regardless of their religion and nationality is Diwali in Singapore. Noticed firstly by the minority Indian community (Tamils) in the Little India district which is the heart of the Indian community. As a rule, crackers are not sold to evade noise pollution and only sparklers can be bought. 4. Sri Lanka The festival is called ‘Dipavali’ in Sri Lanka as well which is celebrated by the Tamil community. 5. Fiji In Fiji, Diwali is a public holiday which is declared at independence in 1970 as the government desired to put aside one holiday each for Fiji’s three largest religions, i.e., Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. Initially celebrated by imported bound labourers from the Indian subcontinent during British rule in the Fiji colony during the 19th century. 6. Malaysia In Malaysia, Diwali is known as ‘Hari Diwali’. In many respects, in Malaysia, it relates the traditions followed in the Indian subcontinent. Diwali in Malaysia has become an event for kindness and the peaceful bond between religious and racial groups in Malaysia. 7. Bali, Indonesia The festival is known as ‘Galungan’ in Bali. The dates and the ritual grammar are originated from the Balinese calendar and culture. 8. The Caribbean In the Caribbean, one of the major celebrations is the ‘Diwali Nagar’ or Village of the Festival of Lights located in Chaguanas, Trinidad, highlighting stage performances by the east Indian cultural professionals. 9. New Zealand Deepavali is celebrated publicly amid many of the South Asian dissolution cultural groups. 10. United States There are about 3 million Hindus in the United States. Diwali was first celebrated in the White House in 2003 and was given official rank by the United States Congress in 2007. 11. Thailand It is celebrated under the name of ‘Loi Krathong’ meaning, ‘to float a basket’ and is observed on the full moon day of the 12th month as stated in Thai calendar. 12. United Kingdom Since 2009, Diwali has been celebrated every year at 10 Downing Street, the residence of the British Prime Minister. The yearly celebration was started by Gordon Brown and continued by David Cameron. 13. Japan The festival is not celebrated as it is celebrated in India. People in China celebrate this festival by decorating gardens and orchards, hanging colourful lanterns and paper-made structures on the branches of trees. 14. Australia In Australia, Diwali is celebrated publicly among the people of Indian origin and the local Australians in Melbourne. It was 'Celebrate India Inc.' which had started the Diwali celebrations at the Federation Square in 2006. |
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