Diwali is an annual event which celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It is based on a key story in Hindu mythology. The story entails the rescue and return of a Hindu goddess away from her kidnapper - the demon king Ravana. Sita is rescued by Rama, the prince of Ayodhya(who is Sita’s husband) and Lakshman(Rama’s brother). The two brothers set off to find Sita and light diyas (small oil lamps) along the way so they remember their way back in the dark. This is a reason that many Hindus will light diyaas as a celebratory symbol of Diwali.
Diwali can be a very busy festivity. Leading up to diwali, many prefer to clean their houses before festivities start. This is to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, who are believed to only enter and bless cleaned homes. Some also like to wear new clothing, marking a fresh start. The clothing is most likely traditional but may be anything of a person’s choice. On the day, a rangoli is made. A rangoli is a traditional hindu custom on days like Diwali. It is a colourful, usually symmetric, pattern made with variable materials such as rice, flowers, sand etc. During the day, many customs are also carried out. Diyas are lit to represent triumph of good over evil and to symbolise the path Rama and Lakshman lit to follow back home. During the day, many people distribute sweets to others that are also celebrating the festival. This is to spread joy, and the sweets are often blessed in pooja(prayer), meaning whoever receives them gets blessings. My personal favourite part about Diwali is fireworks that are lit in the evening. Many choose to do sparklers to keep it simple but often people buy small rockets to mark this day as special.
Diwali is a major festival in India, but it has many varied methods of celebration. In West Bengal, the goddess worshipped on Diwali is Kali Maata, whereas in many Northern parts of the country people worship Lakshmi Maata. A lot of southern India worships Lord Krishna. Not only states and areas celebrate diwali differently, but diwali is a common festival in multiple religions, which hold various practices on the day. The description in paragraph two is a traditional hindu commemoration of the festival of lights. Newar Buddhists of Nepal celebrate diwali by offering prayers to Lakshmi Maata. Sikh celebrations are very similar to Hindu festivities on the day. One of the major Sikh temples/gurudwaras (the Golden Temple) is lit up in honour of Diwali. A lot of Jains celebrate Diwali by fasting, singing hymns and chanting mantras to tribute to Lord Mahavir. Some others do charity and philanthropy.
Diwali is a very enjoyable festival, and highlights a great moral message of honouring the goodness of the heart and being confident about doing the right thing.
